Lockheed Martin builds a prototype manned module for deep space
Donatello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Multipurpose Module at the Kennedy Space Center
Despite the fact that NASA has a number of financial problems , and a man’s visit to Mars on a previously scheduled date is a big question, the development of the space program continues. Not only NASA does the job, but also private companies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, SpaceX. Lockheed Martin recently announced plans to build a full-size prototype of an inhabited module for deep space. To do this, a cargo container will be used, which in the era of “Shuttles” was used to deliver cargo to the ISS.
Build habitable module will be at the Kennedy Space Center. The prototype will not be just a mockup. Creating it, scientists are going to use the latest developments of the aerospace industry. Special attention will be paid to life support systems - after all, in deep space, the safety of the team is at the forefront.
The project will be implemented for the money of NASA (yes, the agency has financial problems, but they relate mainly to Mars mission plans). NASA has already entered into an agreement with Lockheed Martin on the construction of the module, which is discussed above. The project is divided into several stages, where each subsequent phase begins after the completion of the previous one. For example, during the first stage, scientists and engineers will develop a preliminary design of the capsule and think about what systems are needed there in the first place.
During the second stage, the project will again analyze and, possibly, change something in the design. In addition, scientists are going to make a list of key requirements for the Deep Space Gateway.. In order to test the viability of their ideas, scientists will test the assembled capsule, first at the Kennedy Space Center and then at the Johnson Space Center .
“It’s quite simple to be confident in your affairs if you live on Earth. But the newly recruited team of astronauts at the station will face unique challenges, ”said Bill Pratt, a project representative for Lockheed Martin. “Something as simple as calling home can become unattainable when you are outside the low orbit of the Earth. Creating this module, we will use various ideas, remembering about the road to Mars ”.
Orion spacecraft. Render: NASA
As mentioned above, the new module will be built on the basis of the already tested Donatello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM). This module is one of the three that were used to deliver cargo to the ISS. It is worth noting that the testers are going to work not only in the conditions of ordinary reality, depending on which systems show themselves. The virtual environment, including VR and augmented reality, will also be actively exploited. So far, experts have only a number of thoughts on how this can be used, but after a while the ideas will be framed in a clear plan.
"We are pleased to work with NASA, using one of the elements of the history of space, which was originally prepared for work in the low Earth orbit, and now will play an important role in the exploration of deep space by man," said one of the project participants. According to representatives of Lockheed Martin, they plan to use the existing capabilities of the module to the maximum, in order to reduce the project implementation time.
NASA hopes that all the work will take a little over a year - we mean the stage that follows the first phase. In the second, scientists and engineers will actively use both virtual and augmented reality.
In many ways, the success of the Deep Space Gateway space station will depend on the Orion spacecraft, its functions and capabilities. The fact is that reusablethe Orion spacecraft is planned to be operated with the station. Accordingly, most of the functions of the ship, especially those related to the life support of the station crew, are planned to be fully utilized. The station team will arrive at Orion, and after serving the allotted time for research, return to Earth.
“Since Deep Space Gateway will be uninhabited for several months a year, the station must be strong, reliable and autonomous when needed. Actually, it will be a robotic system that can serve people when they arrive, ”said a spokesman for Lockheed Martin. The station itself will be built in lunar orbit. The station will be used as a gateway for astronauts who travel to the Moon and Mars.
The station will have its own energy source, residential module, docking module, airlock, logistics module. As for the power plant, it will work on electric power in order to keep the lunar station at the required point in space.
Direct work on the creation of the station and launching it into the Moon’s orbit will be possible only after the readiness of the SLS launch vehicle . After the station is ready, NASA will begin to create the Deep Space Transport (DST) spacecraft specifically designed for flights in deep space, including Mars.