Habitation extension module
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The Habitation Extension Module (HEM) is a proposed British-built module designed to mate to Node 3 of the International Space Station, conceived by a consortium of engineers and scientists, led by Mark Hempsell, aeronautical engineer at the University of Bristol.
The proposal has no formal support of the British government, as of January 2008, but if funded, the modules would be launched sometime in 2011[1].
The purpose of the modules is to provide a formal British presence in the ISS project, which to date has been nonexistent (Britain is not an independent ISS partner, and does not contribute through ESA either). More specifically, the two modules will provide 100 cubic metres of living space with enhanced radiation protection, and allow the astronaut crews an enhanced amount of social and personal living space on board the platform.
The two modules are named HEM 'C' and HEM 'D'. HEM 'C' is designed to contain a wardroom arrangement of a viewscreen with a central table for group meetings and conferences with Earth. HEM 'D' will contain the improved sleeping and personal work arrangements. HEM 'D' contains six separate compartments which each contain a small bed (900mm x 2000 mm), a foldaway desk, and a small amount of space for personal effects and other items. From a personal privacy point of view, it affords each astronaut an area where they can close a door and be entirely private from the rest of the crew, where they can dress and undress, or perform other acts of a personal nature.
The estimated cost of the modules is £600m[2], spread out over the course of 6 or 7 years and takes into account the costs of construction, launching and maintenance.
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[edit] References
- ^ Jeremy Hsu. Space Station Modules Proposed by UK Scientists. Retrieved on 2008-01-18.
- ^ Mark Hempsell. Habitation Extension Module. Retrieved on 2008-01-20.
[edit] External Links
- Habitation Extension Module at the University of Bristol
