SPACEHAB's unique family of
research and logistics carriers enables the space
shuttle to maximize its flexibility. Applying a keen knowledge
of crew requirements and the challenges of working
and living in a microgravity environment, SPACEHAB's module
and pallet designs have successfully enhanced the research
capabilities, cargo carrying capacity, and habitation conditions
of the orbiter fleet while meeting the specific needs of
its government and commercial customers.
SPACEHAB
has developed two primary types of flight hardware:
- Pressurized Modules - a "room" for astronauts
to safely work and live in a shirt-sleeved environment
- Unpressurized Carriers - a "pallet" for equipment
and payloads that can sustain the vacuum of space
Pressurized
Modules
SPACEHAB's habitable modules fill a vital need
for more usable working and living space inside the space
shuttle cargo bay. Accessible through a pressurized tunnel
from the orbiter's cabin, these powered modules significantly
increase the crew volume and active payload capacity of the
shuttle fleet. SPACEHAB owns both research and logistics
modules that can be flown in single and double module configurations,
depending upon specific mission requirements.
Unpressurized Carriers
SPACEHAB's Integrated
Cargo Carrier (ICC) system provides a robust, modular, and
flexible unpressurized pallet resource whose multiple mission
configurations can accommodate a variety of payloads.
Accessed by astronauts during spacewalks, or robotically
transferred from the shuttle to the International Space
Station, the ICC system is typically used for equipment
transport and experiment platform purposes. These carriers
can provide power and data requirements with room for payloads
on both the top and bottom surfaces.
For detailed
information [PDF] on SPACEHAB's ICC, click here. |
