Launch, retrieval, and stage assembly operations on a Space Station

Some of the major activities associated with operations and maintenance of the space-based Orbital Transfer Vehicles (OTVs) on the Space Station are discussed. Checkout and launch of large communications satellites from the Station and retrieval of satellites for servicing on the Station are addressed. Economic and performance benefits that can be derived from these activities are considered. The requirements that must be met by the Space Station and by OTVs to allow the required operations to take place efficiently are examined, and the potential Space Station servicing facility and OTV concepts that would fulfill these requirements are illustrated. Methods of carrying out the tasks related to OTV maintenance and servicing and spacecraft launch are discussed. The benefits of these types of space-based operations in terms of economics, improved mission assurance, and launch capabilities are discussed.