Spacehab and RSC Energia have completed the baseline design for their pro sped Enterprise commercial space station module project and endorsement of the project by the Russian Space Agency, Rosaviakosmos.
The partners approved the baseline design following a joint review concluded in late December. Spacehab and Energia are already at work on detailed design and procurement of long-lead-time materials and components.
Fabrication of some components is ready to begin at Energia’s Korolev facilities. The partners plan to launch the commercial Enterprise Module to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2003 on a Russian Proton launch vehicle.
In support of this effort, Rosaviakosmos, RSC Energia, and Spacehab signed a Joint Resolution Concerning Basic Principles of Implementation of the Multipurpose Module Enterprise as Part of the Russian Segment on the ISS on February 16, 2001.
This agreement grants docking and utilization rights to the Enterprise partnership in return for providing functions previously planned for a Russian Docking and Stowage Module (DSM).
The Enterprise project involves development, construction, and operation of a multipurpose module as part of the ISS Russian Segment (ISS RS). For the first time in the history of space exploration and development, a project of this magnitude will be performed on a commercial basis with Russian, U.S., and, potentially, other interested companies.
As part of this initiative, Spacehab and Energia are actively seeking customers and investors for marketing and business opportunities, leveraging this unique access to space.
Enterprise will become part of ISS RS configuration, replacing the DSM and providing all of the DSM’s intended functions. It will also provide additional functions including a docking port for logistics vehicles, propellant resupply via transit fuel lines, and roll control thruster accommodations while also pursuing other commercial objectives.
Enterprise is being developed to meet research, stowage, crew support, habitation and multimedia needs. This module provides the flexibility to accommodate a variety of users.
