Inventors:
Timothy E. Pelischek - League City TX
Edgar O. Castro - Houston TX
Gregg A. Edeen - Friendswood TX
David A. Hamilton - Houston TX
Jon B. Kahn - League City TX
James B. McDede - League City TX
Kornel Nagy - Houston TX
John V. Rivers - Houston TX
Irene E. Verinder - Dickinson TX
Donald C. Wade - Friendswood TX
Clarence J. Wesselski - Alvin TX
Assignee:
The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of
National Aeronautics & Space Administration - Washington DC
International Classification:
B64G 110
Abstract:
The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus relating to design, construction, integration and assembly of a space station. The present invention uses pre-integrated open (unpressurized) truss segments for modular construction of the space station. Each segment includes a truss structure and utility subsystems which may be fully assembled and tested on Earth. The segments may be latched together on orbit using a remote latching system. Utility subsystems, such as solar panels and radiators, are pre-integrated into the appropriate truss segment, and are deployable from the respective truss segment on orbit. Rails run lengthwise along the assembled truss. The rails may be used with a mobile transporter for translating truss segments with respect to the spacecraft as part of the space station assembly process. The rails may also be used with a mobile transporter for carrying crew personnel, a robotic arm, and other equipment.