Frameworks for the future

Abstract

NASA is exploring the techniques and technologies which will permit the construction of large structures in space. EASE (Experimental Assembly of Structures in Extravehicular Activity) and ACCESS (Assembly Concept for Construction of Erectable Space Structures) are structures which are carried in the Atlantis bay and are assembled in space by astronauts. The experimental structures were designed to be durable and strong, easily assembled, have removable parts, and be amenable to alterations using specially-designed tools. All space activities are first rehearsed in detail on earth, mainly in the NASA Neutral Buoyancy Facility. Thorough studies are also being done to examine the human factors of space assembly and to gather biomedical data to characterize the capabilities of humans doing construction work in space.