The Crew Module (CM) is the next item up for testing. The CM will never be operated alone; it will always be attached to a vehicle that a crew will control remotely.
We will therefore attach two UVs to our test CM, one at the top of the vehicle and one at the bottom (Image 1). They will be installed into the cargo bay of the VentureStar in this configuration. Our Crew Module will be a tCM1_04–04–46–4049, meaning that it is a one–level ship with four astronauts and four spacesuits on a forty–six day mission with a mass of 4,049 kg.
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| Image 1: CM flight testing configuration |
Once lifted into orbit, it will become the first cargo flight for our organization (Table 1). It will be taken out of the cargo bay by two inchworm RMSs. The inchworms will remain with the test CM.
Once the test CM is outside of the RV and secure, the VentureStar will RTB, leaving the CM in orbit. The CM will be remotely controlled from Mission Control at Spaceport America.
Another VentureStar, loaded with a VEM and a crew of 10, will liftoff to rendezvous and dock with the test CM. Four spacesuits will accompany the crew into space.
Once docked, 4 test pilots and the four spacesuits will transfer to the CM. They will remain docked for two days to do a thorough systems check of the CM.
If everything looks nominal, the CM will undock with the four crew members on board, allowing them to conduct a more detailed test of the CM. The other 6 astronauts aboard the VentureStar will RTB.
The six astronauts remaining in orbit will live and work in the CM for several days. During this time they will test the food preparation system, the toilet and shower, maneuverability, etc.
If everything still looks nominal, the CM may be classified as operational, and the crew will move on to the testing of the spacesuit.
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