Spacelab soft mockup comparative evaluation

An assessment of two proposed Spacelab configurations with diameters of 14 and 12 feet was conducted by using two inexpensive wooden mockups containing cardboard fixtures. Also examined was an alternate mounting arrangement for the 12-foot diameter configuration, taking advantage of conforming equipment racks to the cylinder walls. A volume comparison of the three configurations was made using a life sciences payload which is considered to be one of the more voluminous payloads. It was found that crew volume in the 12-foot baseline configuration appeared marginal for the life sciences payload, especially where crewmen were engaged in activities with competing demands. The 12-foot configurations of life sciences payloads offered little margin for stowage or equipment growth. Increased demands would necessitate longer module lengths. Similar results could be expected with other large volume payloads.