(1) Each growth step must be justifiable in its own right. (2) Each growth step must lead clearly toward the defined goals. The starting points for the growth scenario have been outlined in preceding discussions. The final goal, human operation in space with greater independence from Earth, is pursued through a series of interim goals -in particular, the development of the abilities to: • Modularize equipment • Tend co-orbiting free satellites • Build, test, and transfer to orbit large complex systems • Reduce station Earth dependence for control and resupply • Automate space operations in support of in-space human activity • Advance deep space exploration In pursuit of these goals a program scenario is required. Figure 7.4 shows an overview of space activities starting
/ I AU tO. \ MA I SATEL- LEO STATION NEP SATEL- X MODULES: MATERIALS, PLANT GROWTH SORTIE EXPLO- RATION BASE LUNAR RE- SOURCES RE- SOURCES
Figure 7.4.-Overview of space activities development.
fromthepresentandcontinuingthroughthedevelopment of anincreasinglyspacecapa independentmanufacturingbility.Figure7.5providesadditionaldetailsonthepossible developmentof alowEarthorbitstation.Bothsuggest the kindsof facilitiesexpectedto berequiredto attainthe desi
