Long-term planning for space stations

Current NASA/ESA plans for space-station development are summarized, with an emphasis on the incorporation of Spacelab technology in the NASA manned-space-station concept. Previous studies are reviewed, current designs are illustrated with drawings, tables, and diagrams; and the importance of the ESA development of an independent launching system based on Ariane is indicated. The question of man's roles in space is briefly considered, stressing the need to evaluate the capabilities of robots and humans in conducting experiments and maneuvers and the costs involved.