Application of a space station to communications satellitesThe economic benefits of a space station relative to communications satellites are discussed in terms of technology experiments, spacecraft checkout, repair, servicing, and refurbishment (RSR), and mating an OTV with satellites for boost to GEO. The zero gravity, vacuum conditions, and atmosphere free long ranges are environmental features that can be used for testing large, flexible antennas and laser communications devices. Some resistance might be encountered to checkout in LEO due to the substantial success of launches to GEO without LEO checkout. However, new generations of larger, more complex satellites may warrant the presence of a space station to verify performance of new spacecraft. One RSR positive aspect for a space station is as a storage site for propellant, as well as for reusable OTV booster engines. Also, the space station can serve as a base for manned or unmanned repair spacecraft which will travel to GEO to fix malfunctions in geostationary satellites.
Document ID
19830062555
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Ramler, J. R. (NASA Lewis Research Center Space Communications Div., Cleveland, OH, United States)