Spacelab faces critical design review

A status report is presented on the design and development of Spacelab and ESA-NASA cooperation in the venture. Spacelab system modules, space manufacturing and space processing plans, life sciences research and atmospheric research using Spacelab, managerial risks and hurdles, funding, ESA commitments to NASA in the program, and adjustments of Spacelab mission duration are discussed. Brief data on the core module, experiment segment, versatile experiment pallets, modular experiment racks, and auxiliary support systems are presented. Heating facilities, a fluid physics module for zero-g experiments, and a floating zone electrophoresis facility for space processing are characterized briefly. A rail-guided vestibular sled for bio studies, lidar system for active topside sounding of the ionosphere, interfacing with Space Shuttle, definition of user requirements and payloads, and definition of ground support/logistics infrastructure are sketched.