Prospects for augmenting Spacelab capability

Abstract

Extensions and improvements projected for the baseline Spacelab system are with emphasis on near-term improvements currently being investigated by the ESA. This ESA Phase B study is primarily concerned with resources augmentation and mission duration extensions. Attention is also given to such long-term Spacelab applications as its use as an element of a larger space platform structure, constituting a permanently manned facility for the 1987/1990 period. Near-term improvements include the incorporation of radiator panels that cover the upper surface of the Spacelab module or extend outward from its pallets, pallet size variations for greater payload accommodation flexibility, and the accommodation of crews in the Spacelab interior.