the node 2 on the international space station: experiences and lessons learned from launch to on orbit operations
- Paper number
IAC-08.B3.3.9
- Author
Dr. Annamaria Piras, ThalesAlenia Space Italia S.p.A., Italy
- Coauthor
Mr. Giovanni Malucchi, Italy
- Year
2008
- Abstract
Thales Alenia Space has been involved in several Space Station elements, but the Node 2 represents the first element, built, integrated and tested by International Partners and then transferred to NASA for the operational phase, after the Multi Purpose Logistics Module. The Node 2 mission and role in the International Space Station is extremely relevant, being the element capable to manage and distribute the resources to the different elements and the attached laboratories. Critical operations like reconfiguration for transfer to its final location, activation, EVA operations are analysed and assessed from a design center stand point. Flexibility required due to plan changes as well as alternative way of operations due to major on orbit problems are analysed to derive a better way to plan the operations. The overall experience built supporting the activities from launch to the completion of the activation, to the current on orbit operations is described and generates lesson learned to be flown in future space infrastructure programs. The intent of this paper is to bring the experience, on the basis of the as run Node 2 operations, on how to implement the lessons learned into a design and development phase as well as in the on ground testing. The paper intends to address how to better face the mission preparation phase in the analytical processes and in the operations products development. The paper will also propose additional typologies of integrated checks to be performed to support the completion of commissioning and evaluate the system performances. A special attention will also be given to aspects relevant to the validation of the flight products and to the consistency of the flight execution approach versus the flight preparation. Improvements in the associated processes will be described. The success of the Node 2 mission and its way of operating allow to be so “critical” in analysing areas of improvements for new space infrastructure challenges.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-08.B3.3.9.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.