Manned Spacecraft Structure Versus Unmanned Spacecraft Structure

The large difference between the total numbers of manned and unmanned spacecraft and their respective missions is discussed. The environmental and functional requirements having different effects on the two spacecraft types are described. The materials characteristics involved in those requirements and the resulting typical configurations are reviewed. It is concluded that vibration and pressurized gas containment have the outstanding influence on spacecraft structural systems. It is noted that new structural factors of safety have not been derived on the basis of any rational consideration of the design conditions for stability or pressure critical structure.