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Release: 00-326

NASA revamp of Space Station propulsion system underway

NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is implementing NASA's plans for an International Space Station propulsion system intended to help maintain the research facility's orbit during its 15-year mission in space.

Known collectively as the U.S. Propulsion System, the new system will consist of two principal elements: a "node," or connective module, and at least one propulsion module.

Node 4, a prototype of the Node 1 connector now in orbit, has been tapped to serve as the connective module. The versatile nodes are designed to serve numerous functions aboard the Space Station, providing space for laboratories, crew cabins and other facilities. Node 4 will serve a dual role: as the berthing location for the U.S. propulsion module, and also as the primary docking port for the Space Shuttle.

Once connected to the Space Station, at the forward end of Node 1, Node 4 will be outfitted with one or two detachable propulsion modules. These reusable components -- containing fuel tanks and thrusters for boosting the Station into its proper orbit, maintaining attitude control and providing collision avoidance -- are designed to be carried back and forth from Earth to orbit by the Space Shuttle for refueling and refurbishment.

The U.S. Propulsion System will provide backup or supplementary propulsion for the Russian service module Zvezda, the station's primary propulsion system.

The Boeing Co. -- NASA's primary contractor for Space Station development and construction -- will lead the U.S. Propulsion System integration and perform processing of Node 4, according to Linder Metts, U.S. Propulsion System manager at Marshall.

Boeing is preparing for an industry competition for development of the propulsion module, Metts said. Procurement actions are anticipated to begin in spring of 2001.

The U.S. Propulsion System is expected to reach orbit aboard the Space Shuttle in June 2004.