Science and Applications Space Platforms - A NASA overview

Abstract

An overview of past, present, and future activities relating to space platforms is presented, with emphasis placed on implementation of the initial platform. It is noted that the challenge at present is to define an initial system that can accommodate high priority science, that possesses the capability of doing multi-discipline science, and that demonstrates on-orbit servicing and payload exchange through use of the Shuttle. The evolution of the Science and Applications Space Platform (SASP), which will provide significantly more time on-orbit for instrument operations without increasing Space Shuttle orbiter time on-orbit, is traced. The importance of completing all required activities to support a new start for the SASP in fiscal year 1983 is stressed. While the initial SASP will support only a limited set of investigations, the program will evolve by replication, upgrading, or the development of new systems to support a broader and generally more demanding set of system requirements.