Habitation extension module
Encyclopedia
The Habitation Extension Modules (HEM) are proposed British
-built modules designed to connect to Node 3 (Tranquility) of the International Space Station
. They were conceived by a consortium of engineers and scientists led by Mark Hempsell, aeronautical engineer at the University of Bristol
.
The proposal has no formal support of the British government, , but if funded the modules could be launched sometime in 2011.
The purpose of the modules is to provide a formal British presence in the ISS project, which to date has been nonexistent (Britain is not an independent ISS partner, and does not contribute through ESA
). More specifically, the two modules will provide 100 cubic metres (3,531.5 cu ft) of living space with enhanced radiation protection, and allow the astronaut crews an enhanced amount of social and personal living space on board the platform.
The two modules are named HEM 'C' and HEM 'D'. HEM 'C' is designed to contain a wardroom
arrangement of a viewscreen with a central table for group meetings and conferences with Earth. HEM 'D' would contain improved sleeping and personal work arrangements. HEM 'D' features six separate compartments which each contain a small sleeping area (0.9 by 2 m (3 by 6.6 ft)), a foldaway desk, and a small amount of space for personal effects and other items. From a personal privacy point of view, it affords each crew member an area where they can close a door and be entirely private from the rest of the crew, where they can dress and undress, or perform other acts of a personal nature.
The estimated cost of the modules is £600 million, spread out over the course of 6 or 7 years and takes into account the costs of construction, launching and maintenance.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
-built modules designed to connect to Node 3 (Tranquility) of the International Space Station
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
. They were conceived by a consortium of engineers and scientists led by Mark Hempsell, aeronautical engineer at the University of Bristol
University of Bristol
The University of Bristol is a public research university located in Bristol, United Kingdom. One of the so-called "red brick" universities, it received its Royal Charter in 1909, although its predecessor institution, University College, Bristol, had been in existence since 1876.The University is...
.
The proposal has no formal support of the British government, , but if funded the modules could be launched sometime in 2011.
The purpose of the modules is to provide a formal British presence in the ISS project, which to date has been nonexistent (Britain is not an independent ISS partner, and does not contribute through ESA
European Space Agency
The European Space Agency , established in 1975, is an intergovernmental organisation dedicated to the exploration of space, currently with 18 member states...
). More specifically, the two modules will provide 100 cubic metres (3,531.5 cu ft) of living space with enhanced radiation protection, and allow the astronaut crews an enhanced amount of social and personal living space on board the platform.
The two modules are named HEM 'C' and HEM 'D'. HEM 'C' is designed to contain a wardroom
Wardroom
The wardroom is the mess-cabin of naval commissioned officers above the rank of Midshipman. The term the wardroom is also used to refer to those individuals with the right to occupy that wardroom, meaning "the officers of the wardroom"....
arrangement of a viewscreen with a central table for group meetings and conferences with Earth. HEM 'D' would contain improved sleeping and personal work arrangements. HEM 'D' features six separate compartments which each contain a small sleeping area (0.9 by 2 m (3 by 6.6 ft)), a foldaway desk, and a small amount of space for personal effects and other items. From a personal privacy point of view, it affords each crew member an area where they can close a door and be entirely private from the rest of the crew, where they can dress and undress, or perform other acts of a personal nature.
The estimated cost of the modules is £600 million, spread out over the course of 6 or 7 years and takes into account the costs of construction, launching and maintenance.
See also
- Proposed modules for the ISS