SPACE VEHICLE Russian patent published in 1997 - IPC

FIELD: space vehicles; interplanetary spacecraft and orbital stations assembled from individual modules in orbit. SUBSTANCE: space vehicle has truss structure 1 made in form of closed circular skeleton with base module 2 located in center of it; longitudinal axis of module 2 is perpendicular to plane of ring. Module 2 is radially connected with skeleton by means of pressure tunnels 3 whose ends (which are closer to center) adjoin side coupling units 4 of base module and far ends adjoin ring over its inner perimeter through sliding hinges. Coupling units 5 which are used as base for mounting change modules 6 (experimental and equipped additionally) are mounted on side surfaces of pressure tunnels 3. Mounted over outer perimeter of ring by means of unified assembly pads 7 are the following extended radially turnable structures: solar batteries 8, radiators 9, etc.; non-tight platforms 10 with equipment being mounted on lateral faces. Assembly pads 7 intended for mounting solar batteries 8 are additionally provided with rotation drives 11 for turning the batteries relative to longitudinal axis. Manipulator 12 is mounted on base module. Coupling units 13 designed for tethering other space vehicles are mounted at ends of base module. To obtain required control moments, engine plants 14 of space vehicle attitude control system are located on lateral surface of pressure tunnels 3 which adjoin circular truss 1 near the ends. EFFECT: enhanced reliability. 5 cl, 7 dwg