The task for this workshop was very realistic: the students had to develop better alternatives to the currently envisioned "US Core Complete" configuration for the International Space Station (ISS). The primary objective of this conceptual space station redesign was to reduce the cost of final manufacturing, of assembly, and of operations, while still providing utilization opportunities similar to the original "ISS Assembly Complete" baseline. In particular, the space station should:

1. Accommodate a permanent crew of six astronauts
2. Facilitate microgravity research and Earth observation, and provide commercial and outreach activities
3. Support long-term preparations for mankind's next steps in space, human expeditions to the Moon and Mars

Most of the redesign should be implemented within a few years to support early research and utilization activities. However, the redesign should also address mid- to long-term enhancements of ISS.

The students used a modified SSDW methodology, and SSDW tools like COMET, IRIS++ and ELISSA, to design and analyze their stations.

Here is some data on the space station concepts that the two design teams proposed:

Blue Team

System Concept:

• Crew: 6
• Orbit: circular, 400-450 km
• Flight Mode: earth-oriented, gravity-gradient stabilized (TEA -3.02°)
• Impulsive reboost (option for ECLSS waste-fed CO2 resistojet for permanent reboost or CMG desaturation)
• Launchers:
  • STS
  • resupply: Progress, ATV (Ariane 5)
  • crew transport: STS (two Soyuz for emergencies)

Space Segment Description:

ISS at "US Core Complete" plus:

• Node 3
• Second Soyuz
• "InHab" inflatable TransHab-based module
• "MMINERVA" COF-based research module

ECLSS Design and Simulation:

Major ECLSS components:

• Water loop: VCD and Multifiltration
• Air loop: Four-Bed Molecular Sieves, EDC, Sabatier, Electrolysis;

Human Factors Issues:

Configuration Charts

Green Team

System Concept:

• Crew of 6 starting April 2004
• Orbit: circular, 350 - 425 km
• Flight Mode: earth-oriented, gravity-gradient stabilized (TEA -3.32°)
• Impulsive reboost every 65 days
• 1700 m² of solar arrays installed for 72 kW permanent EPS output
• Launchers:
  • assembly: STS, Proton
  • resupply: Progress, ATV (Ariane 5)
  • crew transport: STS (+ one Soyuz for emergencies)

Space Segment Description:

ISS configuration at "US Core Complete" plus:

• Node 3
• FGB 2 (autonomous safe haven and emergency escape vehicle for three astronauts)
• second ATV (providing habitability functions, launch: August 2005)
• "GreenHab"Flash Animation inflatable TransHab-style module (for hydroponics research)

Assembly Sequence

AOCS Design and Simulation:

Altitude envelope (min./max.) 385 - 400 km
Inertia tensor [10E6 kg m²]:

49.95	0.0445	2.69
	53.42	2.37
		98.23

Drag incidence surface area (min./max.): 915 m² / 3120 m²
Attitude performance: TEA -3-32°
Reboost cycle period: 65 days

Second ATV for Habitation:

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