Leasecraft: An Innovative Space Vehicle

The Leasecraft system is an innovative means to provide a permanent mobile platform in low Earth orbit and the related launch, integration, test, operation, and in-orbit servicing for payloads of industrial and government users. The Leasecraft system is being funded and developed by Fairchild Industries and furthers the industrialization of space with its significant business potential. The technology and techniques underlying this venture are derived from the shuttle compatible multimission modular spacecraft (presently used for the NASA solar maximum mission and Landsat-D/D' mission) and the upcoming demonstration of shuttle repair to be performed on the solar maximum satellite in the first quarter of 1984. Leasecraft can be identified as a system, comprising a low orbit space platform, an operations control center, user accommodations, and services such as payload interfaces, documentation, and ground support equipment and procedures. The combination of these elements facilitates the use of the space environment by both the space and nonspace oriented user. Early potential applications of Leasecraft include the processing of pharmaceuticals and materials, satellite-aided search and rescue, data collection, and support of NASA's astrophysics programs. Initial assessments made concerning the benefits to users and the cost of providing these benefits indicates that Leasecraft can provide needed services at very competitive rates. The leasing arrangement is cost effective as compared with present spacecraft platform development and cost assessment techniques.