zerofay32
Buckeye
Since the SSF program's first major component is reaching completion, I will give an overview of the whole program in this blog.
SPACE STATION FREEDOM PROGRAM
The SSF program was the original name for NASA's pursuit for a space station, a project that later became the International Space Station. Originally, NASA developed the station alongside the Space Transportation System. Because of this, the primary mission for STS has always been the construction and servicing of a space station. Midway through development, Congress said NASA could have one program, not both. NASA put the station on the shelf and focused on STS and scrambled to develop new uses for the shuttle. After the shuttle became operational, NASA tried to shift focus to getting the station in the works, until the Challenger disaster brought some of the flaws of STS to the surface. Eventually, NASA got its station with the cooperation of other nations. The rest is history.
My timeline picks up in 2008. After a (more) successful ISS, NASA wants to move on to a new project for its shuttles. Congress wants to create a larger presence in space and continue out from LEO. NASA creates a Space Station Freedom Program based on the original specifications.
First, the main outpost. Station Freedom, would be at an inclination that is in plane with the moon in order to facilitate orbital construction of Earth-Moon transfer vehicles. This station will be the first constructed and have the largest crew, 5.
The second component is a smaller station. NASA will use the Skylab II station and launch it into polar orbit from Vandenberg Air force Base. Skylab II will be outfitted with modules designed for the Skylab Reuse Study to expand its capabilities, and will be serviced by the shuttle.
The third and forth components are unmanned experiment platforms that are serviced by the shuttle. One is 180 degrees opposite of the SSF in the same orbit and the other is 180 degrees opposite of Skylab II in the same orbit.
After completion, the shuttles will continue to make regular supply runs. Space X Dragons will handle civilian visits to the SSF. And HL-20s will handle NASA Crew transport to both manned stations.
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Currently, the SSF is about 80% complete and is ready to accept its first full crew as well as its first visit by paying civilians. Skylab II is entering its final launch preparations to begin phase two of the SSF program. After only 2 1/2 years after the start of the program, 60% of construction flights have been flown with 47% of total on-orbit scientific hardware on-line (the two platforms equal about 40% of on-orbit hardware).
SPACE STATION FREEDOM PROGRAM
The SSF program was the original name for NASA's pursuit for a space station, a project that later became the International Space Station. Originally, NASA developed the station alongside the Space Transportation System. Because of this, the primary mission for STS has always been the construction and servicing of a space station. Midway through development, Congress said NASA could have one program, not both. NASA put the station on the shelf and focused on STS and scrambled to develop new uses for the shuttle. After the shuttle became operational, NASA tried to shift focus to getting the station in the works, until the Challenger disaster brought some of the flaws of STS to the surface. Eventually, NASA got its station with the cooperation of other nations. The rest is history.
My timeline picks up in 2008. After a (more) successful ISS, NASA wants to move on to a new project for its shuttles. Congress wants to create a larger presence in space and continue out from LEO. NASA creates a Space Station Freedom Program based on the original specifications.
First, the main outpost. Station Freedom, would be at an inclination that is in plane with the moon in order to facilitate orbital construction of Earth-Moon transfer vehicles. This station will be the first constructed and have the largest crew, 5.
The second component is a smaller station. NASA will use the Skylab II station and launch it into polar orbit from Vandenberg Air force Base. Skylab II will be outfitted with modules designed for the Skylab Reuse Study to expand its capabilities, and will be serviced by the shuttle.
The third and forth components are unmanned experiment platforms that are serviced by the shuttle. One is 180 degrees opposite of the SSF in the same orbit and the other is 180 degrees opposite of Skylab II in the same orbit.
After completion, the shuttles will continue to make regular supply runs. Space X Dragons will handle civilian visits to the SSF. And HL-20s will handle NASA Crew transport to both manned stations.
------------------------------------------
Currently, the SSF is about 80% complete and is ready to accept its first full crew as well as its first visit by paying civilians. Skylab II is entering its final launch preparations to begin phase two of the SSF program. After only 2 1/2 years after the start of the program, 60% of construction flights have been flown with 47% of total on-orbit scientific hardware on-line (the two platforms equal about 40% of on-orbit hardware).
