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It is pointed out that space stations represent a major vehicle for accomplishing many things mankind envisions for space activities. Thus, space stations have become necessary stepping-off points for deep-space expeditions, and it is expected that they will lead eventually to the permanent occupancy of another planet. The present paper provides a report regarding planning activities in the U.S. and in other countries which have made significant progress in making a permanent Space Station a reality. The Space Station will consist of a manned base and associated platforms, as well as collateral support equipment. The purpose of the program definition and preliminary design activities (Phase B) is to arrive at the baseline configuration before initiating actual hardware development. Details of the program plan are discussed along with user considerations in design, the commercialization of space, design issues, operations, and Space Station evolution.

The NASA Space Station program's planning stage began in 1982, with a view to development funding in FY1987 and initial operations within a decade. An initial cost of $8 billion is projected for the continuously habitable, Space Shuttle-dependent system, not including either operational or scientific and commercial payload-development costs. As a customer-oriented facility, the Space Station will be available to foreign countries irrespective of their participation in the development phase.

An overview of NASA Space Station planning activities is given. Among the specific topics addressed are: the role of private contractors in the construction and operation of Space Station; international cooperation in planning Space Station configurations; and optimum management strategies for Space Station planning activities. The division of work packages for the preliminary design definition phase of the Space Station program is described.

The design of a permanently manned Space Station is discussed. The role of the Space Shuttle, planning guidelines, international cooperation, and commercial possibilities are among the topics discussed.

NASA has expressed an interest in acquiring foreign partners for its upcoming permanent, manned space station program who will participate as builders, operators and users, and will invest a significant portion of the financial and developmental research resources entailed by this ambitious undertaking. Cooperation, then, will not come to an end upon delivery of the hardware developed by a foreign partner, but will continue on the basis of ownership of the hardware and responsibility for its engineering and operational management. Attention is presently given to the prospective contributions of Canada, the European Space Agency, and Japan.

The design of a permanently manned space station is discussed. The role of the space shuttle, planning guidelines, international cooperation, and commercial possibilities are among the topics discussed.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has begun developing a permanently manned Space Station as mandated by President Reagan. The Space Station will be operational within a decade and is the 'Next Logical Step' in America's space program. This paper presents a summary of the Space Station status, current planning guidelines, and the possibilities for international participation in the program. The conceptual architecture and evolutionary development options for the Space Station are also briefly discussed.

Studies evaluating potential operational and commercial uses of space are being conducted, taking into account astronomy, astrophysics, manned bases and laboratories in earth orbit, space colonization, terrestrial communications, space processing and manufacturing, interstellar probes, planetary exploration, and the use of space for terrestrial energy supply. The present status in the exploration of the solar system is examined, giving attention to Jupiter, Venus, Mars, and Mercury. A brief outline of the development of human colonies on Mars is presented.

NASA's first Space Shuttle, Columbia, whose technological advances include a space laboratory, navigational and communication satellites, and planetary explorers, is examined, and the first few flights, scheduled for 1980, are described. The Shuttle employs an all-digital, all-electronic, computer-operated avionics system. The onboard data processing and software subsystem, encompassing five computers (four online and one backup), a data-bus network, bus terminals, and software, is analyzed in detail. Attention is given to the basic structure of the Orbiter (37.19 m in length and 23.77 m wingspan), its main engines, and the payload and cargo capacities (29,500 kg). A two-step program that could increase the power and duration of spaceflights is presented. The first step is the creation of a power extension package, using solar arrays, generating electricity to extend the basic five-day flight to 20 days, while the second step uses the same design to create a 25-kW power model capable of providing energy for a 50-day flight. Plans for construction of a manned space construction base and a larger power platform of 250 kW are also presented.

NASA planning for large power systems (tens to hundreds of kilowatts) in space for the next decade is summarized. Applications requiring large amounts of power, the selection of solar photovoltaic as the primary power conversion approach, and the power technology base are explained. Large power systems, beginning with a Space Shuttle/Spacelab power augmentation kit and an orbitally stored Power Module, are described.

An overview of U.S. manned space flight is presented and recent advanced studies are considered. In connection with long range mission planning, studies are being conducted of future space systems, space vehicles, and space operations. An early Space Construction Base is being studied for launch in 1985 and associated geosynchronous operations are projected for 1987. The Space Construction Base is envisioned as a facility for erecting large structures in space, for basing Manned Orbital Transfer Vehicles that operate between low earth orbit and geosynchronous orbit; and for the conduct of industrial operations and scientific experiments in space. Ways and means for erecting large structures in space are examined. One particular plan involves the development of the technology to demonstrate the capabilities of a solar power station to translate solar energy to electrical energy for use on commercial power stations on earth. Advanced transportation is also being studied, particularly for needs that complement the Shuttle. The use of the Shuttle System as a Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle to place large diameter payloads up to 200,000 pounds in weight is also being explored.

The design of the Space Transportation System, consisting of the Space Shuttle, Spacelab, and upper stages, provides experience for the development of more advanced space systems. The next stage will involve space stations in low earth orbit with limited self-sufficiency, characterized by closed ecological environments, space-generated power, and perhaps the first use of space materials. The third phase would include manned geosynchronous space-station activity and a return to lunar operations. Easier access to space will encourage the use of more complex, maintenance-requiring satellites than those currently used. More advanced space systems could perform a wide range of public services such as electronic mail, personal and police communication, disaster control, earthquake detection/prediction, water availability indication, vehicle speed control, and burglar alarm/intrusion detection. Certain products, including integrated-circuit chips and some enzymes, can be processed to a higher degree of purity in space and might eventually be manufactured there. Hardware including dishes, booms, and planar surfaces necessary for advanced space systems and their development are discussed.

A description is presented of the activities which would be important in connection with the objective to find a course of action to achieve permanent occupancy of space. One of the technical problems to be solved is related to the development of a closed ecological system in space. Lunar material transportation and collection is a second major problem. The development of either automated, manned, or mixed construction technologies for the assembly of large structures in space is also important. Attention is also given to the design of the habitat, the need for a better understanding of the genetic effects of an increased radiation dosage over long periods of time, and the current status of space activities.

Future United States plans for manned space-flight activities are summarized, emphasizing the long-term goals of achieving permanent occupancy and limited self-sufficiency in space. NASA-sponsored studies of earth-orbiting Space Station concepts are reviewed along with lessons learned from the Skylab missions. Descriptions are presented of the Space Transportation System, the Space Construction Base, and the concept of space industrialization (the processing and manufacturing of goods in space). Future plans for communications satellites, solar-power satellites, terrestrial observations from space stations, and manned orbital-transfer vehicles are discussed.

NASA major planning decisions from 1955 to date are summarized and new concepts connected with the advent of the Space Transportation Systems (STS) are set forth. The future Shuttle utilizations are considered, from 'manned booster' function for space transportation to such operations as deployment of modules and stations and assembly of large structures in space. The permanent occupancy of space will be a major goal of the space systems development in the 1980's with the following main phases: (1) achievement of easy access to earth orbit by means of the Shuttle and Spacelab; (2) achievement of permanent occupancy (Space Stations); (3) self-sufficiency of man in space. New techniques of space operation will become possible, using much larger, complicated satellites and simplified ground stations. Orbital assembly of large stations, using a permanent base in orbit, will enable practical utilization of space systems for everyday needs. Particular attention is given to the space solar power concept, involving the location in space of large satellite systems. Results of the studies on Manned Orbital Systems Concept (MOSC) and some future possibilities of Space Stations are analyzed.

Space station with shuttle and tug service, discussing reduced costs, reusability and commonality

Large launch vehicles in manned space program - nasa program