(20) An unmanned transporter will be used to deliver the blanket containers to the appropriate installation locations. (26) Major satellite elements are to be supported by the base during all phases of construction (stabilization and docking issue). (30) The SPS quality assurance activities are to be performed concurrent with SPS construction operations. (32) Satellite inspection will be performed at each level of system buildup to assure integrity of construction. These examples of criteria imposed on the construction process are considerations in the analogous missions of satellite servicing and assembly of the Space Station Freedom. Satellite Servicing Developments The examination of the fundamental tasks for servicing satellites shows a direct correlation to construction tasks. Size and extent of mobility requirements after docking to a satellite are less than is needed for construction tasks. Rendezvous operations will be similar to requirements for space construction and satellite servicing even though the transportation systems may be different. Sensors and operational techniques for satellite servicing will provide a technology base for building large space power facilities. Servicing of satellites has been a slow evolutionary process. Acceptance of servicing as an alternative to replacement made little progress until the Solar Max spacecraft was retrieved and repaired by the space-suited crew of the Space Shuttle. The Shuttle Remote Manipulator System (RMS) is used in deployment and retrieval functions, but the full potential as an on-orbit tool has not been realized. RMS enhancements such as
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