Technology planning for long range utilization of Space Station Freedom

Abstract Over the course of the operational life of Space Station Freedom (SSF), technologies used for spacecraft design and use will advance. In some cases, such as data management, components or systems initially incorporated in the design may become obsolete in a relatively short period of time. In order to assure that SSF can benefit from new technologies, beneficial technologies must be identified, development of beneficial technologies must be tracked and advocated where appropriate, the design must accommodate technology upgrades, and a process for transferring technologies into the flight program must be implemented. The NASA Office of Space Flight, in coordination with the SSF program, has developed a consolidated listing of high priority technology requirements in support of overall Agency technology development planning. Included in this list are technologies which support increased utilization of SSF, enhance crew safety or productivity, or reduce operations costs. Efforts to ensure development of these technologies have begun, and a mechanism for technology transfer has been developed.