Space Station Freedom Assembly Sequence: History, Methods, And Status

Space Station Freedom is one of the most ambitious space programs ever undertaken. Freedom will provide a man-based scientific research laboratory in low Earth orbit over a 30 year mission life. A key aspect of Freedom's design is the definition of the assembly sequence describing the five year build-up of station capabilities.

The goal of assembly sequence design is to provide an operational configuration at each stage of the build process while satisfying multiple technical parameters. Primary considerations include;

• Launch vehicle payload mass and c.g.. constraints
• On-orbit assembly operations
  • Extravehicular Activity (EVA) time
  • Robotic capabilities
  • Contingency planning
• Resource availability as Space Station systems are built
• Assuring the proper functionality at each stage

This paper provides an overview of the assembly of Space Station Freedom and describes the methods used in designing an assembly sequence. Impacts on the assembly sequence from hardware design changes and program changes are described. Current status of the assembly sequence design is given.