Low-cost shuttle-derived space station

Details Low-cost shuttle-derived space station Low-cost shuttle-derived space station

1993-03-15

1994-09-27

Huppert, Michael S.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Reusable or returnable

244158R, B64D 122, B64D 110

Patent

active

053501381

ABSTRACT:
The space station of the present invention makes use of a modified space shuttle orbiter vehicle to provide a pre-assembled pre-tested, modular space station. The modified orbiter vehicle has all the equipment need for manned launch, re-entry and landing removed. The modified orbiter vehicle carries a pressurized laboratory module, a solar power system, and docking apparatus. The modified orbiter vehicle provides instrumentation, attitude control, communications, and life support systems. Another configuration includes an external fuel tank permanently attached to the modified orbiter vehicle. In either configuration, all equipment is fully integrated, installed and checked out on the ground before the launch in a single unmanned launch. Since the modified orbiter vehicle remains in space as a part of the space station the complexity and weight of the orbiter can be reduced by removing the systems that are required only for manned ascent, re-entry and landing, such as wings, tail, body flap, thermal protection tiles, landing gear, some of the avionics, some crew related controls, displays and hardware.

REFERENCES:
patent: 4792108 (1988-12-01), Bull
patent: 4807833 (1989-02-01), Pori
patent: 5094409 (1992-03-01), King et al.
patent: 5217187 (1993-06-01), Criswell
"Space Station" Boeing Apr. 10, 1985.
"Space Special Columbus" MBB ENRO Dec. 1989 vol. 14, No. 2.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

Rating

Low-cost shuttle-derived space station does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.

If you have personal experience with Low-cost shuttle-derived space station, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Low-cost shuttle-derived space station will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-1261375