Construction has begun on the International Space Station (ISS)the largest and most complex extraterrestrial construction project ever. This book on space stations, and the ISS in particular, describes component technologies, systems integration, and the potential utilization of these stations. Co-authored by Messerschmid, one of the first German astronauts, it addresses students and engineers in space technology, but will interest astronomy and space enthusiasts as well.

This case study on the International Space Station considers what many believe to have been the ultimate international engineering project in history. The initial plans involved the direct participation of 16 nations, 88 launches and over 160 spacewalks-more space activities than NASA had accomplished prior to the 1993 International Space Station decision. Probably more important was the significant leap in System Engineering (SE) execution that would be required to build and operate a multi-national space station. In a short period of time, NASA and its partners had to work out how to integrate culturally different SE approaches, designs, languages and operational perspectives on risk and safety. The International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) defines Systems Engineering (SE) as an "interdisciplinary approach and means to enable the realization of successful systems. It focuses on defining customer needs and required functionality early in the development cycle, documenting requirements, and then proceeding with design synthesis and system validation while considering the complete problem: operations, performance, test, manufacturing, cost and schedule, training and support, and disposal." One of the objectives of the Air Force Center for Systems Engineering (AFCSE) is to develop case studies focusing on the application of systems engineering principles within various aerospace programs. The intent of these case studies is to examine a broad spectrum of program types and a variety of learning principles using the Friedman-Sage Framework to guide overall analysis. These cases support practitioners of systems engineering and are also used in the academic instruction in systems engineering within military service academies and at both civilian and military graduate schools. SYSTEMS ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES * General Systems Engineering Process * Case Studies * Framework for Analysis * ISS Major Learning Principles and Friedman-Sage Matrix * Historical Background * Soviet Space Stations * Skylab * Space Station Freedom * Shuttle-Mir Program * Space Station Freedom Redesign * Budget * Studies/Review Panels * Changes from SSF to ISS * NASA Systems Engineering Environment * NASA Management Approach * NASA Center Approaches * System Engineers and the Experience Chain * Systems Engineering Challenges of the ISS * Systems Engineering Process * International Partners * Safety/Risk approaches * FULL SCALE DEVELOPMENT * Major ISS Modules * Zarya Control Module * Unity Node * Zvezda Service Module * Destiny Laboratory Module * Canadian Space Robotics System * Quest Joint Airlock * Russian Pirs Docking Compartment * Columbus Laboratory * Kibo Japanese Experimental Laboratory * Cupola * Russian Multi-Purpose Laboratory Module * Multi-Purpose Logistics Module * Launch Services * Shuttle * Russian Vehicles * Japanese Projects * European Projects * Commercial Capabilities * Development Challenges * Technology Readiness and Obsolescence * Use of Probabilistic Risk Assessment * Russian Contribution and Risk * Spiral Construction Approach and Multi-configuration issues * Computer Hardware and Software * Power Systems * Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) Protection * Test and Integration * Execution Issues * Unrealistic Estimates for Cost and Schedule * Iran, North Korea, and Syria Nonproliferation Act * ISS Logistical Support * Handling a Major Computer Failure * Transportation * Anomaly Resolution and the Columbia Accident * Major Risks to the ISS * Long Term Outlook * Lessons Learned * ACRONYMS * SPACELAB MISSIONS * PHASE ONE-SHUTTLE-MIR MISSIONS * MISSION SUMMARIES

In 1995 the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) initiated the Frontiers of Engineering Symposium program, which every year brings together 100 of the nation's future engineering leaders to learn about cutting-edge research and technical work in different engineering fields. On September 14-16, 2000, the National Academy of Engineering held its sixth Frontiers of Engineering Symposium at the Academies' Beckman Center in Irvine, California. Symposium speakers were asked to prepare extended summaries of their presentations, and it is those papers that are contained here. The intent of this book, and of the five that precede it in the series, is to describe the content and underpinning philosophy of this unique meeting and to highlight some of the exciting developments in engineering today.

The International Space Station (ISS) is a great international, technological, and political achievement. It is the latest step in humankind's quest to explore and live in space. The research done on the ISS may advance our knowledge in various areas of science, enable us to improve life on this planet, and give us the experience and increased understanding that can eventually equip us to journey to other worlds. As a result of the Station s complexity, few understand its configuration, its design and component systems, or the complex operations required in its construction and operation. This book provides high-level insight into the ISS. The ISS is in orbit today, operating with a crew of three. Its assembly will continue through 2010. As the ISS grows, its capabilities will increase, thus requiring a larger crew. Currently, 16 countries are involved in this venture. The sophisticated procedures required in the Station's construction and operation are presented in Amazing 3D Graphics generated by NASA 104 pages of spectacularly detailed color graphics the Space Station as you've never seen it before!

A rich visual history of real and fictional space stations, illustrating pop culture's influence on the development of actual space stations and vice versa Space stations represent both the summit of space technology and, possibly, the future of humanity beyond Earth. Space Stations: The Art, Science, and Reality of Working in Space takes the reader deep into the heart of past, present, and future space stations, both real ones and those dreamed up in popular culture. This lavishly illustrated book explains the development of space stations from the earliest fictional visions through historical and current programs--including Skylab, Mir, and the International Space Station--and on to the dawning possibilities of large-scale space colonization. Engrossing narrative and striking images explore not only the spacecraft themselves but also how humans experience life aboard them, addressing everything from the development of efficient meal preparation methods to experiments in space-based botany. The book examines cutting-edge developments in government and commercial space stations, including NASA's Deep Space Habitats, the Russian Orbital Technologies Commercial Space Station, and China's Tiangong program. Throughout, Space Stations also charts the fascinating depiction of space stations in popular culture, whether in the form of children's toys, comic-book spacecraft, settings in science-fiction novels, or the backdrop to TV series and Hollywood movies. Space Stations is a beautiful and captivating history of the idea and the reality of the space station from the nineteenth century to the present day.