National Aeronautics and Administration

Space Station Reference Configuration Description National Aeronautics and Administration

Publisher Marketing: This report documents the data generated by the Space Station Program "Skunk Works" over a period of 4 months which supports the definition of a Space Station reference configuration. The data were generated to meet these objectives: a. Provide a focal point for the definition and assessment of program requirements b. Establish a basis for estimating program cost c. Define a reference configuration in sufficient detail to allow its inclusion in the definition phase Request for Proposal (RFP) Although the reference configuration has been specified in the RFP, the specific data defining that configuration in this document should be viewed as preliminary, subject to change, and presented for information only. It was NASA's intent in providing this information that it be considered as a potential point of departure for the definition phase, not a set of approved design solutions. Baselining of reference configuration characteristics will occur prior to definition phase Contract Start Date (CSD). This report addresses the IOC and growth of the Manned Station and Unmanned Platforms. A functional evaluation is made of the configuration's ability to accommodate payloads, support crew and logistics operations, accommodate integrated systems requirements, and to be assembled and grown efficiently. Detailed subsystem descriptions with options considered and rationale used to select the specific subsystems, are also presented. In the early phase of this effort, 14 technical areas were identified which served as "targets" for system/subsystem alternative evaluation and analysis. The data developed in these areas was considered too detailed for inclusion in this document.