Conceptual design and flight simulation of space stations

This paper focuses on the conceptual design and flight simulation of space stations. Its goal is to discern the factors which influence the configurat ional design of a space station system. This is done in order to define an adequate methodology with an adapted set of computer tools for early concep tual design of space stations. First we review the history of space station design in order to show what factors drove conceptual space station design s in the past. After that, a methodological design approach for space stati ons is introduced with special emphasis on design rules applicable to the d evelopment of the configuration of a space station. Finally, the design exa mple of a minimum space station with growth potential demonstrates the way in which methods and tools established in this study can be applied to a co nceptual design problem. (C) 2001 Editions scientifiques et medicales Elsev ier SAS.