Additional transport and technological possibilities for the ISS elements and cargo delivery

Abstract Current situation with the system of transport reusable vehicles Space Shuttle requires to consider additional possibilities on the ISS planned elements and cargo delivery, their mounting in accordance with the ISS configuration. Existing technological and manufacturing capabilities of Khrunichev Space Center allow to propose a module-type transport mean which could be created on the base of developed design and technology of “Mir” and ISS modules. Design and technological features of proposed transport means, technical/economic characteristics of these projects as well as possible creation schedule are presented in the paper. Technology of delivered equipment mounting on the ISS American segment planned points after docking to Russian segment using Canadian manipulator SSRMS is described. Some aspects of equipment delivery to the ISS in pressurized and non-pressurized compartments are assessed. Advantages of additional transport mean usage in parallel with Space Shuttle system and possibilities for further application of such means in perspective space programs are analyzed.