Page:Advanced Automation for Space Missions.djvu/383

 redgoals.manned TheuseofapermanentlyLEOstation asaSolarSystemexplorationbaseandasasupport stationfor tendedfree-flyingsatellites unmannedmeans thattowardtheendofthiscenturymanyof characteristicsmannedand unmannedspaceendeavorswill blend together. Modularize equipment. Modularization of equipment reduces the mass of material that must be transported to and from orbit for repair and replenishment of orbital facilities. This is because only defective or depleted modules FREE SATELLITES

l

SHUTTLE-T_

PROPELLANT FREE-FLYER MANUFACTURE

CO-ORBITING TENDED SATELLITES

MULTI

need be handled rather than the entire system mass is higher for modular designs, tenance mass is significantly reduced. The an existing facility to accept new capabilities plified through the use of plug-in modules. and replacement already are prime candidates for early automation and these procedures are streamlined by modularization. Both station growth and the multiplication of capabilities become more feasible since the entire system need not be replaced as parts become inadequate or obsolete. The sizes of Spacelab and the Shuttle payload bay suggest a practical size limit for modules. Modularization is not intended to replace space fabrication of stations and equipment but is to be used in parallel with on-orbit construction.

SPACE ]

TELESCOPE

[PR-ESSURIZED SPACE LAB]

J

1

system. Overall but system mainmodification of is greatly sim- Parts installation

DEDICATED APPLICATION

PURPOSE LAB AND lASSEMBLY [/ AND PLATFORMS PLATFORM SAMPLE

I SCIENCE/ AND J I OBSERVATION QUARANTINE

STAGING BASEII STATION

!_ i

LARGE SPACE MULTIPURPOSE MANNED PLATFORMS

LEO STATION (WITH ASSOCIATED FREE FLYERS

]

SMF and PRODUCTS

Figure 7.5.-Details of LEO station development.