The manned space station
Abstract
The development and establishment of a manned space station represents the next major U.S. space program after the Space Shuttle. If all goes according to plan, the space station could be in orbit around the earth by 1992. A 'power tower' station configuration has been selected as a 'reference' design. This configuration involves a central truss structure to which various elements are attached. An eight-foot-square truss forms the backbone of a structure about 400 feet long. At its lower end, nearest the earth, are attached pressurized manned modules. These modules include two laboratory modules and two so-called 'habitat/command' modules, which provide living and working space for the projected crew of six persons. Later, the station's pressurized space would be expanded to accommodate up to 18 persons. By comparison, the Soviets will provide habitable space for 12 aboard a 300-ton station which they are expected to place in orbit. According to current plans the six U.S. astronauts will work in two teams of three persons each. A ninety-day tour of duty is considered.
- Publication:
-
Grumman Aerospace Horizons
- Pub Date:
- 1985
- Bibcode:
- 1985GrAeH..21....8K
- Keywords:
-
- Manned Spacecraft;
- Nasa Programs;
- Space Stations;
- Spacecraft Design;
- Aerospace Medicine;
- Aerospace Safety;
- Crew Procedures (Inflight);
- Space Suits;
- Spacecraft Control;
- Waste Heat;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles