SPACEHAB - Augmenting the Shuttle's middeck capacity

Abstract

SPACEHAB, Inc. is developing a pressurized laboratory which fits in the forward portion of the Space Shuttle payload bay and connects to the crew compartment through an airlock. SPACEHAB's standard middeck-type lockers offer crew-tended access to the microgravity environment for experimentation, technology development, and small-scale production. NASA's Office of Commercial Programs has contracted with SPACEHAB to lease two-thirds of the SPACEHAB's module capacity over the first six missions for commercial research initiatives. Use of SPACELAB modules also offers an economical intermediate step prior to making a full commitment for commercial use of Space Station Freedom.