Author Topic: Expanding the ISS Base Block  (Read 1271 times)

Offline Danderman

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Expanding the ISS Base Block
« on: 02/11/2010 07:37 pm »
First question: why?

Answer: first off, the aft docking port of the Service Module has a limited lifetime for its docking port, related to the use of the passive side hooks. It may be the case that by 2020, there will be a need to do something about that.

Secondly, the Russian segment will be really really crowded by the end of the decade, and physical expansion there would be a good thing.

Thirdly, its likely that new requirements for expansion will emerge  in this decade.

Second issue: how?

Although an FGB tug could deliver a mid sized (Kvant type) module to Service Module aft, there probably are no more FGBs in the pipeline. However, the ATV is still in production, and its possible that an ATV service module would deliver a mid sized 4.1 meter diameter module, replacing the ATV cargo section with the module. Since the module would contain ESA and US cargo, once unloaded, the module would be available for stowage.

I am assuming that the module would contain both active and passive docking systems, as well as ATV rendezvous aids on the passive side. The module would block the Zvezda engines, but I doubt that they would still be functional by 2020.

The new module could also have mounts for new solar panels, obviating the need for the 2 proposed energy modules.

Offline bobthemonkey

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Re: Expanding the ISS Base Block
« Reply #1 on: 02/11/2010 08:25 pm »
ATV has a recognised development route for an additional docking port on the aft with a [pre-exisitng] tunnel through to the main pressurised volume.

It would certainly provide the 'new' port and potentially replace the life limited main engines on the base.

Offline khallow

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Re: Expanding the ISS Base Block
« Reply #2 on: 02/11/2010 10:01 pm »
Alternately, one could create a new space station that is cheaper to expand and maintain, and which is designed to be constructed and serviced with the EELVs and Ariane 5 (possibly Angara and CZ-5 too) as launch vehicles.
Karl Hallowell

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