Pre-integrated truss space station and method of assembly

US5407152A · kind A · utility

Assignee

• The United States of America as represented by the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration · US

Inventors

• Timothy E. Pelischek · League City, US
• Edgar O. Castro · Houston, US
• Gregg A. Edeen · Friendswood, US
• David Hamilton · Troy, US
• Jon B. Kahn · Spring, US
• James B. McDede · League City, US
• Kornel Nagy · Houston, US
• John V. Rivers · Houston, US
• Irene E. Verinder · Dickinson, US
• Donald C. Wade · Friendswood, US
• Clarence J. Wesselski · Alvin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Dec 24, 1992
• Grant date: Apr 18, 1995
• Expiry date: Dec 24, 2012

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B64G1/12
• WIPO field: Transport
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus relating to design, construction, integration and assembly of a space station. The present invention uses pre-integrated open (unpressurized) truss segments for modular construction of the space station. Each segment includes a truss structure and utility subsystems which may be fully assembled and tested on Earth. The segments may be latched together on orbit using a remote latching system. Utility subsystems, such as solar panels and radiators, are pre-integrated into the appropriate truss segment, and are deployable from the respective truss segment on orbit. Rails run lengthwise along the assembled truss. The rails may be used with a mobile transporter for translating truss segments with respect to the spacecraft as part of the space station assembly process. The rails may also be used with a mobile transporter for carrying crew personnel, a robotic arm, and other equipment.