The power requirements on space station during the mature phase of the example humans-to-Mars mission is about 18% greater than the precursor research phase (244 vs 206 kW). This is due to the additional resources needed or the vehicle servicing and refurbishment operations. The increase is offset somewhat by the reduction in microgravity research at station during this operational phase. Figure 6 presents a sketch of an evolution concept for space station configured as a transportation node [10]. A large vehicle assembly/servicing hanger is constructed at the base of the dual keel to house the space vehicles (lunar piloted and cargo vehicles in this example). A pressurized service lab and crew hab module are located in the hanger to colocate the crew with the vehicle operations. The modules also provide crew access to the lunar piloted vehicle without donning suits for EVA. Conclusions/Recommendations Space Station Freedom growth power requirements have been derived for the two principal evolution options. For the R&D evolutionary emphasis, power needs are driven to a maximum of 275 kW in the mature research phase by microgravity research (with pilot production) and the life science payloads. Commercial materials production would have a somewhat greater requirement but it is unlikely that any manned station with its periodic disturbances can support uninterrupted microgravity levels to the extent required by production plants. Transportation node operations, which involve Mars/lunar vehicle assembly, servicing and refurbishment, were determined to require about 244 kW when continuing life science research is ongoing in the background. At the SSF preliminary requirements review (PRR), the recommended growth power requirement from NASA, Langley was 275 kW. This level was judged to be adequate for station evolution along any path that future user needs and US space policy may dictate.
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