Design, construction and utilization of a space station assembled from 5-meter erectable struts

Abstract

Presented are the primary characteristics of the 5-meter erectable truss designated for the space station. The relatively large 5-meter truss dimension was chosen to provide a deep beam for high bending stiffness yet provide convenient mounting locations for space shuttle cargo bay size payloads which are 14.5 ft. (4.4 m) in diameter. Truss nodes and quick-attachment erectable joints are described which provide for evolutionary three-dimensional growth and for simple maintenance and repair. A mobile remote manipulator system is described which is provided to assist in station construction and maintenance. A discussion is also presented of the construction of the space station and the associated EVA time