The mission descriptions are given in the following paragraphs. Mission 2 - Structural Fabrication Technology Sortie The objective of Mission 2 is to demonstrate the space fabrication of Satellite Power Station components which have low deployed densities. The mission will demonstrate fabrication of structural beams in aluminum, composites (e. g. , graphite/polyimide) and dielectrics. Demonstration of beams, in lengths that are projected for the operational satellite (greater than 250 mils), will be needed. Structural test of the strength and alignment of the beams is also required. The length and buckling characteristics of these members may preclude ground tests and may force an active spaceborne test program. Figure 14-6(a) is a schematic of the experiment package interfaced with the Shuttle. The equipments included in these missions are: fabrication modules, deployable structures, and jigs and fixtures. Shuttle auxiliary equipments required include: the RMS, Pallet, Airlock, and Spacelab. Instrumentation for testing the accuracy and strength of the fabricated structural elements will be included in the flight test articles inventory. Figure 14-6(b) is a matrix of test objectives and Shuttle flights. It is estimated that four flights would be adequate to meet the stated objectives. The first flight will test deployable structures in terms of packaging efficiency, accuracy and strength after deployment. The second and third flights will test man's skill in fabricating structural elements in a space environment and the fourth flight will evaluate the automated fabrication of elements in the candidate materials. Mission 3 - Joint and Fastener Technology The objective of Mission 3 is to demonstrate the method of assembling structural elements, and the selection of joints and fasteners. Demonstration of joint and fastener methods on a small scale will lead to selection of the more favorable approaches for assembling 18 x 18 m antenna structural bays. Demonstration of methods of assembly (i. e., teleoperators, EVA, etc. ) will provide
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