International Space Station 6-Crew Strategic Planning Document
International Space Station Program
Baseline
May 2008 SSP 50826
(Draft)
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.0 1 PURPOSE
The purpose of this document is to compile the important assumptions, concepts, and strategic requirements used to formulate the nominal 6-Crew operations and planning guidelines for the International Space Station (ISS). The assumptions, guidelines, concepts, and strategic requirements within this document shall be used to develop ISS planning documentation. Any changes or exceptions implemented based on tactical requirements must be coordinated between the affected parties.
1.0 2 SCOPE
The scope of the ISS 6-Crew Strategic Planning Document is the ISS crew, systems, and crew/cargo vehicle operations required to implement and sustain 6-Crew on orbit. The primary timeframe for this document is through 2011, coinciding with NASAcontracted Soyuz crew rotation services from Roscosmos. Other strategic planning information beyond 2011, such as ISS transportation resupply demands, is included in order to provide an overall perspective of the long term ISS operations and planning needs and is considered preliminary. The Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) is mentioned where relevant, but is outside the scope of this initial release. Additional Commercial Services vehicle flight planning and other partner elements not currently baselined in SSP 50110 Multi-Increment Manifest (MIM) are under review and are outside the scope of this initial release. Consistent with the standard for such documents, it is written in the present tense to provide a perspective of an assembled and operational ISS. Concurrence with this document does not in any way change existing obligations or imply or create new obligations. Any compensation agreements necessary to implement the guidelines and assumptions contained herein (such as the extension of the Roscosmos contract to procure Soyuz seats) are beyond the scope of this document.
3.0 ISS 6-CREW IMPLEMENTATION
The transition to steady-state 6-Crew operations is characterized by five "phases," beginning with 3-Crew operations and the work required to prepare for 6-Crew operations. The follow-on phases are based on major assembly upgrades that affect port utilization. This plan integrates the crew, systems, and crew/cargo vehicle operations required, including: training, Extravehicular Activity (EVA), Extravehicular Robotics (EVR), Robotics, crew rotation, port utilization, and vehicle traffic. For the purpose of this document, the term United States On-orbit Segment (USOS) applies to the on-orbit elements of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), European Space Agency (ESA), and Canadian Space Agency (CSA); the term Russian Segment (RS) applies to the on-orbit elements of Roscosmos. Per the BoC, the Functional Cargo Block (FGB) is a US element, technically integrated into the RS. The term USOS crew applies to the roles and responsibilities of astronauts representing NASA, JAXA, ESA, and CSA. The term RS crew applies to the roles and responsibilities of cosmonauts representing Roscosmos.
3.0 1 ISS 6-CREW IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE PHASES
Figure 3.1-1, 6-Crew Implementation Timeline, depicts an integrated conceptual timeline for 6-Crew operations which identifies the configuration phases, hardware deliveries, vehicle traffic, and available RS docking ports. Referencing Figure 3.1-1, there are five ISS timeline phases. The following paragraphs describe the timeline phases in more detail.
Phase 1 occurs during the 3-Crew operations timeframe, prior to any ISS configuration modification that affects docking port locations. This phase includes the arrival and testing of major Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS) and crew habitability hardware for 6-Crew. Phase 1 also includes operations to support the docking of Mini Research Module 2 (MRM2). The first Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) flight to ISS is in this phase.
Phase 2 is initiated with the arrival of the second long duration 3-Crew complement on a Soyuz vehicle, increasing the ISS to 6 crewmembers. Phase 2 includes delivery of remaining 6-Crew support hardware and final operations to support MRM2 docking.
Phase 3 is initiated with the arrival of the MRM2 and includes the first H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) flight to ISS, arrival of Mini Research Module 1 (MRM1), the arrival of Node 3, and remaining Shuttle flights through Shuttle retirement in 2010.
Phase 4 begins post Shuttle retirement and concludes with the arrival of CEV. This phase includes the arrival of the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM). Prior to MLM arrival, Docking Compartment 1 (DC1) will be de-orbited.
Phase 5 is initiated with the arrival of CEV and continues until ISS end of life.
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