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Author
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Topic: Lewis Research Center Space Station Models
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Hoonin
Member Posts: 12
From: Wyandotte, Michigan, U.S.
Registered: Mar 2019
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posted 07-03-2019 05:29 PM
   
I purchased this model directly from NASA Glenn Research Center, under the impression that it might be a Space Station Alpha model (sight unseen). However, I believe I am mistaken and I have no idea at this point if its a concept or just a futuristic example of what space stations might look like in the future, according to NASA sometime between the years 1975-1992 (based on the logo). It would be greatly appreciated if anyone has any idea as to what this is a model of.  
Also, pictures show the model incomplete, I haven't quite figured out how to complete it. |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 07-03-2019 06:45 PM
I'm curious how you were able to buy this from NASA. |
Hoonin
Member Posts: 12
From: Wyandotte, Michigan, U.S.
Registered: Mar 2019
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posted 07-03-2019 07:20 PM
I was lucky enough to originally have purchased this through a surplus auction. |
Retro Rocket
Member Posts: 445
From: Santa Paula, Ca,. USA
Registered: Dec 2007
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posted 07-04-2019 06:53 PM
Nice! |
Hoonin
Member Posts: 12
From: Wyandotte, Michigan, U.S.
Registered: Mar 2019
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posted 08-30-2019 02:35 PM
I've come across some pretty interesting information involving this model. It is actually a conceptual model from the early planning stages of what would become the Space Station Freedom (eventually the International Space Station). Amazingly enough, a NASA archivist was able to find pictures of the model. Ronald L. Thomas (Director of Space Station Freedom) can be seen standing with the model in one of the pictures. I also read/skimmed hundreds of NTRS documents and came across a few that appear to directly correlate with the design features of the model. - Page 102 of this report, "Example of Erectable Array Concept"
- Page 7 (page is unlisted, page 11 of this document) "Assembly of erectable solar array"
- Pages 6-48 through 6-50 of this report, "Multiple Element Module Assembly Concept"
Based on the multiple configurations of the model, attentions to detail in certain aspects, as well as information from the NTRS reports, and a clue from one of the photo captions, I have concluded that this is a conceptual model for the different power system options. One concept being a nuclear powered station (as referenced from the photo caption), one option being "erectable arrays", and the last option being "multiple element module assembly." I believe the conceptual model also demonstrates the modular space station design since it can be configured and reconfigured in several different ways. Below, are photos provided to me by NASA. Nuclear Powered Configuration (Note: lack of arrays):  Erectable Solar Array Configuration:  Multiple Element Module Assembly Configuration:  Ronald L. Thomas (Director of Space Station Freedom) pictured with the model (1984):  If anyone in this community ever needs help researching an item, please message me. I enjoy researching as more of a hobby than actually collecting and have developed a good list of contacts and references. | |
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