Spacelab payload accommodation handbook. Main volume

The main characteristics of the Spacelab system are described to enable individual experimenters or payload planning groups to determine how their payload equipment can be accommodated by Spacelab. Spacelab/experiment interfaces, Spacelab payload support systems and requirements that the experiments have to comply with are described to allow experiment design and development. The basic operational aspects are outlined as far as they have an impact on experiment design. The relationship of the Spacelab Payload Accommodation Handbook to Space Transportation System documentation is outlined. Data concerning the space shuttle system are briefly described.