A technology base for near-term space platforms

The paper briefly describes the ongoing Large Space Systems Technology (LSST) Program in platform technology. The program addresses technology issues associated with the near-term science and applications platform, and the more fundamental questions associated with the general class of large space-assembled structural systems. Elements of the technology program are described and preliminary results are discussed. Results to date indicate that potential new capabilities of the Space Shuttle will strongly influence spacecraft design, and that future spacecraft utilizing these new capabilities can provide important new performance capabilities and greater efficiency. The proposed science and applications platform appears to be the earliest envisioned space vehicle which will be of the space-assembled class.