Wow, so I assume Axiom beat Bigelow - despite Bigelow already having BEAM on the ISS. The bid evaluations will make interesting reading ...
"The element will attach to the space station’s Node 2 forward port"Isn't this one of the docking ports for commercial craft? Node 3 forward has the PMM. Could they mean Node 2 nadir?
In my opinion it would be most practical if the new module would replace both a PMA and IDA. For this to work, the Axiom module should have a passive CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) on one side, and an IDSS (International Docking System Standard) port on the other side. The advantage of this, is that the module becomes a full part, with the same accessibility as the other modules of the US part, of the ISS.But how can the PMA+IDA be disposed off? Possibly this can be done with a Dragon2 cargo resupply return. During the latest ISS tour the ISS looks overfilled with stowage. On the US side at least three ports have to be made free from stowage. Namely:- Node 2 Forward for PMA2/IDA2 accessibility for Crew resupply vehicle or Dragon2 cargo.- Node 2 Zenith for PMA3/IDA3 accessibility for Crew resupply vehicle or Dragon2 cargo.- Node 3 Port for Nanoracks Bishop Airlock (SpX-21)Two further ports need to be free when resupply vehicles visit: - Node 2 Nadir, std berthing location for Dragon and HTV-(X)- Node 1 Nadir, std berthing location for Cygnus. Another possibility with the axiom module having two ports is that it can convert Node1 Nadir from an CBM into an IDSS compliant docking port while also providing additional stowage space. Time will tell if most US cargo vehicles will convert to using IDSS or remain using CBM.edit. I looked closer at the images from Axiom. It looks like the modules will have two CBM ports. to provide a IDSS port they look like using Common Docking Adapter (CDA). [wiki]*snip image*Axiom Image:*snip image*These modules look larger than Columbus. I wonder if the US Airlock might need replacement as well?
6. Question [related to the Free-Flyer under Appendix K]: The stated budget is $561M through 2024 to cover Appendix I & K. How will that be adjudicated?Answer: The funding for Appendix I & K is part of the overall funding for Commercial LEO Development. The Agency will make a portfolio decision sometime in the future. The $561M is an estimate of available funds based on the runout of the FY 2020 budget request through 2024, but should not be treated as an absolute constraint. Offerors should propose what they feel is required to close their business case.
In my opinion it would be most practical if the new module would replace both a PMA and IDA. For this to work, the Axiom module should have a passive CBM (Common Berthing Mechanism) on one side, and an IDSS (International Docking System Standard) port on the other side. The advantage of this, is that the module becomes a full part, with the same accessibility as the other modules of the US part, of the ISS.But how can the PMA+IDA be disposed off? Possibly this can be done with a Dragon2 cargo resupply return. During the latest ISS tour the ISS looks overfilled with stowage. On the US side at least three ports have to be made free from stowage. Namely:- Node 2 Forward for PMA2/IDA2 accessibility for Crew resupply vehicle or Dragon2 cargo.- Node 2 Zenith for PMA3/IDA3 accessibility for Crew resupply vehicle or Dragon2 cargo.- Node 3 Port for Nanoracks Bishop Airlock (SpX-21)Two further ports need to be free when resupply vehicles visit: - Node 2 Nadir, std berthing location for Dragon and HTV-(X)- Node 1 Nadir, std berthing location for Cygnus. Another possibility with the axiom module having two ports is that it can convert Node1 Nadir from an CBM into an IDSS compliant docking port while also providing additional stowage space. Time will tell if most US cargo vehicles will convert to using IDSS or remain using CBM.edit. I looked closer at the images from Axiom. It looks like the modules will have two CBM ports. to provide a IDSS port they look like using Common Docking Adapter (CDA). [wiki]<snip image>Axiom Image:<snip image>These modules look larger than Columbus. I wonder if the US Airlock might need replacement as well?
The last large rigid module to be delivered to the US Segment was The Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), which was delivered in February 2011 onboard Shuttle Discovery on STS-133. Since the shuttle has now been retired, the modules that make up the Axiom segment will most likely be launched on conventional rockets, and make their way to the station and then dock either under their own power or via a “space tug”, much like how the Russian’s have delivered module’s to the ISS or their previous station “Mir” in the past.This is quite different from how the rest of the US Segment was assembled, with module’s launching in the shuttle payload bay, then being carefully taken out of the payload bay and being moved into place by the shuttle’s robotic arm or the space station’s robotic arm.
QuoteThe last large rigid module to be delivered to the US Segment was The Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM), which was delivered in February 2011 onboard Shuttle Discovery on STS-133. Since the shuttle has now been retired, the modules that make up the Axiom segment will most likely be launched on conventional rockets, and make their way to the station and then dock either under their own power or via a “space tug”, much like how the Russian’s have delivered module’s to the ISS or their previous station “Mir” in the past.This is quite different from how the rest of the US Segment was assembled, with module’s launching in the shuttle payload bay, then being carefully taken out of the payload bay and being moved into place by the shuttle’s robotic arm or the space station’s robotic arm. Is docking to a CBM really an option? I would assume that the modules would fly to a location where the arm can grapple and the arm would move it to the port (essentially the same thing that is done with dragon and cygnus cargo flights just with a bulkier object).
Isn't the plan still to splash ISS in a few years?
Quote from: Rocket Science on 01/28/2020 07:14 amIsn't the plan still to splash ISS in a few years? In 2028, currently. It may be extended to 2030. Axiom's modules are designed to be separated at ISS end of life and operate as an independent commercial space station.