Spacelab is a series of multiple configuration payload carriers that fit in the Orbiter cargo bay. The carriers, ranging from pressurized modules to simple support structures that span across the cargo bay, provide a variety of payload support services, such as cooling, power distribution, data management, pointing, and structural attachment. Previously published papers have addressed the joint development of the initial Spacelab system by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Herein, the emphasis will be on the NASA utilization and evaluation of the system into the operational era of the Space Transportation System (STS), system enhancement, additional carrier configuration, the effects of time on system hardware, and subsequent replacements and improvement. All configurations added were intended to fulfill payload requirements not originally foreseen. Subsystem replacements thus far have resulted from life limits or unreliable performance while assessments and plans are underway to look also for increased performance and new payload requirements, to the transition from Spacelab to the Space Station Freedom.


    Access

    Access via TIB

    Check availability in my library


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Spacelab - Beyond development


    Contributors:

    Publication date :

    1990-09-01


    Type of media :

    Conference paper


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




    Spacelab - Beyond development

    JOHNSON, CHARLES / KEEN, BRADFORD / MCMAHON, ARTHUR | AIAA | 1990


    Spacelab - The first mission and beyond

    James, E. / Garnett, J. | NTRS | 1984


    Spacelab mission development tests

    Dalton, B. P. | NTRS | 1978


    Pulmonary function in microgravity: Spacelab 4 and beyond

    Guy, H. J. / Prisk, G. K. / West, J. B. | NTRS | 1988


    Spacelab Stories

    Sivolella, Davide | Springer Verlag | 2017