In article ,
says...

"Jeff Findley" wrote in message
...


NASA seeking ideas for use of space station docking port
by Jeff Foust ? July 15, 2016
http://spacenews.com/nasa-seeking-id...space-station-
docking-port/

Interesting. You'd think this would be the ideal spot for a "full
size" Bigelow expandable module, but some new startup (Axiom Space) is
proposing a conventional (aluminum) module.

Jeff


Interesting. My guess is Axiom is being a bit risk adverse. I can sort of
see that.

This got me looking at the current config of the US side of the space
station.

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikiped...April_2016.svg

So if I have this right, Leonardo is basically parallel to Destiny? Didn't
realize that.

Looking at Node-2, it looks like PMA-3 will be relocated to that along wig
with IDA-3 (to be launched).
So that in theory frees up another slot.

But what confused me, is that nodes (Unity, Harmony, Tranquility) each have
6 ports.

Unity has 5 in use (PMA-1 aft, Leonardo port, Destiny forward, Quest
starboard and Z1 Trust Sement Zenith, nothing on the Nadir port)
Harmony has 5 in use (Quest on Aft, Kibo on Port, PMA-2 Forward, Columbus
starboard and eventually PMA-3/IDA3 Zenith, again nothing on Nadir)
Tranquility has 3 in use (BEAM currently Aft (port in question for this
one), PMA-3 (Currently) Port, Leonardo Forward, Unity Port and Cupola Nadir,
nothing Zenith).

It seems to me, a number of ports are free. I believe Tranquility doesn't
have all ports set to necessarily provide power/etc. But it seems to me
there's additional ports NASA could be looking at to make available. Any
idea why they're only offering the BEAM port?

And there is of course if they want to fly it, Node 4.

Have you taken into account the CBM port(s) used for Commercial Cargo
vehicles? I'd think there would be at least two of these (one primary
and one backup).

Jeff
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