sketch of the RSM configured (see Ref 26) in the Orbiter for support of the MPTS assembly mission. The interior arrangement is based on a longitudinal floor arrangement between the end bulkheads. Interior secondary structure includes four overhead sleep compartments, storage volume, air ducting, and utilities runs. Sufficient room exists in the main platform of the interior for mounting controls and displays consoles for monitoring assembly operations. Consumables and other life support items necessary for a 30-day mission are considered an integral part of the module. 3.4.2. 2.3 Communications Module - A communications module, Fig. 3.4-21, is used as a center to transmit television data via TDRS to the ground and to receive command data from ground controllers for operation of the remote manipulators. A potential need for as much as 190 simultaneous TV pictures would be required. The communications module would receive TV signals from the manipulator modules via omni antennas and condition the signals for Ku-band transmission. A total bandwidth of 5700 MHz would be required for black and white pictures (no data compaction) if assembly is performed in one year. The planned TDRS has a bandwidth of only 225 MHz which can simultaneously support 7 RMM’s. Several observations for remote operations can be identified: • A dedicated high bandwidth communications satellite system is needed similar to TDRS • Slow scan TV (1MHz) could be used if it can be shown that the RMM’s can adequately be controlled with this quality picture. Only 25 RMM’s could be serviced at one time with the current TDRS concept • A high degree of operations coordination is needed if TV operations are to be limited to 25 at a time - this assumes TV is used for only close-in assembly tasks • If assembly time were increased from 1 to 4 years, 45 manipulator modules would be needed with 7 in a TV operations mode at a time and hence would be more compatible with a dedicated TDRS system (three satellites). The weight estimates shown in Fig. 3.4-21 are based on an 18-ft Sortie RAM (Ref 26) with 1310 lb of antenna and communication equipment added. The 1310 lb is the estimated weight for the dual Shuttle communications system. It is recommended that two dedicated TDRS (3 satellites each) be utilized in a support role.
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