is being constructed. This would not require the crew module to act as a permanently manned space station—although it certainly could be used as one—but more like a man-tended space platform. 2. In order to reduce the total cost of this project, the crew module could, in fact, be used as a space platform, similar to Space Industries' ISF (Industrial Space Facility). Assuming a launch rate of once/month, then construction will take two to three years. During this time, any unused space aboard the crew section could be leased to various groups doing microgravity experimentation (while no one was on board) or other space based experiments. The visiting construction crew could also bring up raw materials and return finished products. Connecting the CM (Crew Module) to the SPM (Storage/Power module) would be a connector/airlock module with several docking ports as used on Mir allowing manned and unmanned capsules to dock.
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