Since Space Station Alpha is going to house a rather large number of spaceflight crew, there is a need for a strong command structure to ensure a smooth–running ship as well as during emergencies.
To that end, we propose that we should have a paramilitary command structure.
The astronauts will wear a uniform (just like NASA), complete with rank insignia (Image 1). The spaceflight crews will look sharp and become walking billboard signs for the company.
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| Image 1: The AiOS Spaceflight Crew Uniform |
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| Image 2: AiOS Sleeve Ranks |
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| Image 3: Shoulder Boards and Collar Insignia |
There will be five different ranks, with only one individual occupying the top rank.
- FLEET ADMIRAL
- ADMIRAL
- CAPTAIN
- COMMANDER
- LIEUTENANT
- ENSIGN
The uniform is simple: the astronaut wears socks and underwear, with Bermuda–style shorts and different colored t–shirts. The Navy Blue flight suit is worn over the t–shirt and shorts. The flight suit will have bellbottoms that can be zippered shut during spaceflight. Flight boots complete the ensemble. During their stay in space, the flight suit and boots are taken off, with the astronaut wearing the t–shirt, shorts, underwear, and socks.
The different color t–shirts will signify the different departments (similar to Star Trek).
- BLUE: Astronautics
- BLACK: Spaceflight
- GRAY: Engineering
- KHAKI: Science
- YELLOW: Tourism
- GREEN: Medical
- PURPLE: Aerospace
Image 4 summarizes the ranks and departments.
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| Image 4: Crew Ranks |
Only Ensigns and Lieutenants will perform EVAs. The exceptions are the Green Shirt Lieutenant and the Yellow Shirt Commander. Most Captains do orbital–only deployments, while the Admirals are assigned to a desk (except the Blue Shirt Admiral). Purple Shirts pilot the VentureStar space shuttle; that is why they have orbital–only deployments.
Only the Blue Shirt can become a Fleet Admiral, whose job is to conduct meetings with the Admirals and to represent the astronauts during corporate meetings.
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Now that we have established the command structure, we can look at the crew makeup of Space Station Alpha (Image 5).
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| Image 5: Earth Orbit Station Crew Command Structure |
Both day and night shift personnel will keep the station active 24–hours a day. Ensigns and Lieutenants have three distinct duties during their deployment in space:
ENSIGN
- Space Station Duty
- Outpost Duty
- Sanitation Duty
LIEUTENANT
- Space Station Duty
- Outpost Duty
- Expeditionary Duty
The Ensigns will call the Sanitation Duty "Doodie" because they will be the cleanup crew for the station. This includes toilets. It will be disgusting work, but will only be for one–third of their time in space.
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| Tom Hanks reveals a truth |
We are certain that many future Ensigns will feel the same way as Astronaut Candidate Hanks.
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The berthing spaces are provided by Singlewides. There are 12 sleeping quarters, but not all bunks are occupied. When the Ensigns and Lieutenants rotate out to Outpost or Expeditionary duty, the rooms can be cleaned by the sanitation crew and prepared for the next occupant (Image 6). Each room has a toilet, a shower, a storage area, a foldable stowaway exercise bicycle, and vertical sleeping bag.
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| Image 6: EOS Crew Berthing Modules |
Each berthing unit will also contain a larger storage area and a Galley. Storage is for clothing, food, and other items. The Galley will only heat the food, there is NO food preparation in space. All meals are prepared on Earth and stored in the station.
One of the two Half–Singlewides will be occupied by the Commanding Officer and the Executive Officer. The other berthing unit will be occupied by the three orbital–only Captains (Green, Blue, and Khaki Shirts). There are a total of 4 berthing Half–Singlewides available, with 2 occupied and 2 down for cleaning.
The two Gray Shirt Captains and the Commanders are berthed in the Executive Quarters, along with the Green Shirt Lieutenants. There are 2 berthing Singlewides available.
The rest of the Lieutenants are berthed in the Lieutenant Quarters. There are 2 berthing Singlewides available.
The Ensigns are berthed in the Ensign Quarters. There are 2 berthing Singlewides available.
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