Thermal Resource Allocation for Space Station Freedom and Future Planetary Missions

This paper discusses the development of the Space Station Resource Allocation Process during the design phase. Specifically, the Thermal Resource Allocation Process is discussed, the thermal allocation results for Space Station preliminary design are presented and the applications for future planetary missions are identified. The issues associated with the Thermal Control System (TCS) to cool the Space Station are addressed and used to determine the requirements for thermal management of advanced spacecraft. Risks associated with manned missions and the need to conserve energy, air, water and crew time make resource allocation an important factor for NASA's space exploration programs. A clear understanding of resource conservation on Space Station will establish a precedence for meeting the demands of future space programs such as Mars missions and Mars/lunar base programs.