Re: Brainstorm -- Uses for a small 'construction shack' in 28deg LEO

From: Jeff Findley (jeff.findley_at_ugs.nojunk.com)
Date: 12/15/04 

Date: Wed, 15 Dec 2004 10:48:48 -0500

"Jim Oberg" <jameseoberg@houston.rr.com> wrote in message
news:Guovd.42087$yf.28187@fe2.texas.rr.com...
>
> Suppose the 'safe haven' were built to handle post-Hubble human missions
> from a Soyuz pad in Kourou.
>
> What sort of commercial opportunities does this enable?

For the

Clearly it would give the Russians a tourist destination that was completely
independant of ISS. Perhaps the Chinese would be interested in using this
in some way.

> What sort of orbit-to-orbit space assembly tasks could such a
'construction
> shack' enable?

You could use it for anything you're not allowed to do at ISS. For example,
any experiments or activities that would disrupt the zero gravity
environment of ISS. I think orbital assembly is one of those sorts of
activities.

You'd be able to use it as an assembly point for just about anything. CEV
testing and assembly spring to mind as something NASA might want to do at a
location other than ISS. Unfortunately by the time CEV is to be tested,
your safe haven may be getting rather old.

> What sort of features therefore should be included on any 'safe haven'
built
> mainly for Hubble
> BUT with the more likely scenario that it would be exploited AFTER the
> successful shuttle-based
> Hubble repair, when it had become 'space surplus'?

Airlock for EVA (to support the orbital assembly role).

Larger solar panels than absolutely necessary for use as a safe haven.

Regenerative O2 supply, but only if it is to be permanently manned.

Built in reboost and refueling capabilities.

Rendezvous and docking hardware to support resupply from unmanned vehicles
(e.g. Progress, ATV, HTV).

Ability to resupply with O2, N2, H2O as needed.

Equipment should be replaceable in orbit.

Jeff 

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