A Design Methodology for Developing an ISS Inspired Long Duration Space Vehicle

Designing and developing a long duration space vehicle can be guided by the design and development of the International Space Station (ISS). Every new space vehicle development usually borrows from space vehicles development for endeavors that precede them (Gemini, Apollo, Shuttle/Mier, ISS). The vehicle development methodology involved can be outlined in a five-step process: (1) Understanding Mission Requirements/Mission Planning, (2) reviewing available technology and their fitness for the mission, (3) understanding technology to be developed for the mission (4) development of derived vehicle requirements, (5) selecting subsystems of the vehicle design and trade studies for prototype vehicle development, testing and certification. This paper is particularly important for NASA's space missions that are increasingly targeting beyond earth's orbit into known and unknown destinations. Examples will also illustrate the concepts and methodology for space vehicle development.