U.S. Space Station Freedom propulsion system operations

Abstract

Operation of Space Station Freedom in Earth orbit requires the installation of a propulsion system that is capable of performing various rotational and translational maneuvers as the station configuration develops through the assembly process. The operations envisioned for Space Station Freedom have significant influence on the design of the propulsion system hardware including primary structure, tank configuration and sizing, and thruster selection. Implementation of this design into the flight vehicle requires interfacing the propulsion system with onboard systems and flight or ground crews. Operational impacts to the propulsion system design are provided including the differences between the primary propulsion system and the supplemental reboost system. Each step in the processing of the primary propulsion system hardware is described in detail. Reboost modes, altitude strategies and resupply scenarios are included to demonstrate how the propulsion system is integrated into the overall utilization of Space Station Freedom.