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Planning Space Shuttle's maiden voyageNASA's first Space Shuttle, Columbia, whose technological advances include a space laboratory, navigational and communication satellites, and planetary explorers, is examined, and the first few flights, scheduled for 1980, are described. The Shuttle employs an all-digital, all-electronic, computer-operated avionics system. The onboard data processing and software subsystem, encompassing five computers (four online and one backup), a data-bus network, bus terminals, and software, is analyzed in detail. Attention is given to the basic structure of the Orbiter (37.19 m in length and 23.77 m wingspan), its main engines, and the payload and cargo capacities (29,500 kg). A two-step program that could increase the power and duration of spaceflights is presented. The first step is the creation of a power extension package, using solar arrays, generating electricity to extend the basic five-day flight to 20 days, while the second step uses the same design to create a 25-kW power model capable of providing energy for a 50-day flight. Plans for construction of a manned space construction base and a larger power platform of 250 kW are also presented.
Document ID
19790060235
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Malkin, M. S.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Freitag, R. F.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: IEEE Spectrum
Volume: 16
Subject Category
Space Transportation
Accession Number
79A44248
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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