total of 18 ESPs can be mounted on the USS, 6 on each each side of structure and 6 on the top. Experiments can be commanded and controlled from within the Spacelab module and the Shuttle Orbiter’s freon coolant loop can be attached to the USS should chosen experiments require active cooling. Power is supplied to the USS depending on the experiment needs. However, very approximately, several hundred Watts will be available on a continuous basis. The USS is of greatest interest to a Powersat experiment, although use of the pressurised module could also be possible. (Figure 3.2-5) The airlock enables pay loads as large as 0.96 m x 0.8 m diameter with a mass of 100 kg to be exposed to the space environment. Power and command are available through internal Spacelab interfaces. [12] One of the advantages of this airlock is that it would enable a Powersat experiment to be brought back inside the module for modifications and changes. The Spacelab E-l mission provides many of the advantages of the Eureca platform described earlier. Yet. like Eureca, it is dependent on the Shuttle and its launch will be highly susceptible to delays that could conceivably push it into the Space Station Freedom launch campaign. Shuttle safety constraints also pose a major obstacle. Another problem is that the few number of Spacelab flights available before the commencement of the Columbus efforts (i.e. two, if the Spacelab E-2 mission is approved) means that experiment space and time will be at an absolute premium. As the Columbus program is essentially dedicated to materials and life-sciences research in microgravity, priority will be given to these research areas. It is reasonable to presume that competition for a Powersat experiment on Spacelab E-1 will be severe. The Spacelab E-l mission also provides a launch opportunity for other
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