The module construction facility is an open-ended structure which allows a 4-bay-wide module to be constructed with only longitudinal indexing. There are two sets of internal working bays. The aft bays are used for structural assembly using moving beam machines and crane/manipulators attached to both the "A" level and "D" level surfaces of the facility (see figure B-31). Solar array and power distribution components are installed from equipment located on the "A" level in the forward bays. The satellite module is supported and indexed by movable towers located on the "D" level of the facility. The antenna facility is located with respect to the module facility in such a way that the antenna is constructed at a location where the completed antenna can be mated to the yoke without any vertical movement. The antenna construction facility (also shown in figure B-31) is configured in an open- ended structure that is five antenna bays wide which allows the antenna to be constructed using both lateral and longitudinal indexing. The two end bays are used to assemble the primary structure and the inner bays are used to deploy the secondary structure and subarrays, and to install the power distribution system and maintenance gantries. Construction equipment operates from both the "B" and "C" levels of the antenna facility. The module construction sequence for the structure, solar array and power buses begins with building the first end frame of the structure. This completed end frame is indexed forward one structural bay length. Machines can then form the remainder of the structure in each of the bays. The first row of four bays is then indexed forward to allow construction of the second row of structural bays in parallel with installation of solar arrays in bay 1 through 4. Solar array installation and construction of structure occurs simultaneously across the width of the module although neither operation depends on the other. At the completion of the 16 bays (four rows of bays in length), the power buses and propellant tanks are installed. Construction of the structure and installation of solar arrays of the remaining four bay lengths of the module are done in a similar manner to that previously described.
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