Exploring the Unknown: Selected Documents in ... - The Black Vault

Exploring the Unknown 257
PART IV – TECHNICAL PLAN
(Description and Approach)
1.0 INTRODUCTION
Project Mercury is an initial step in a long range program of manned
exploration of space. The initial objectives of Project Mercury have already
been accomplished; therefore, it now becomes appropriate to consider the
steps that should be taken to insure immediate continuation of manned
space flights following the successful conclusion of this project. Therefore,
a follow-on project, after Project Mercury, is proposed which will provide
a continuing source of development information. In the execution of the
proposed project, maximum use will be made of vehicle and equipment
development which has already been accomplished for other programs.
2.0 MISSION OBJECTIVES
The present Mercury spacecraft cannot be readily adapted to other than
simple orbital missions of up to about one day duration, with a corresponding
limitation on the objectives of the mission. The proposed project will allow
the accomplishment of a much wider range of objectives.
2.1 Long Duration Flights Experience will be gained in extending the
duration of flights beyond the 18 orbit capability of the present
Mercury spacecraft. It is recognized that for the longer missions
a multiman crew is essential so that the work load may be shared,
both in time and volume. There are many areas which require
investigations so that the multiman crew may be provided with a
suitable environment during the prolonged missions. This project
will contribute to the development of the flight and ground
operational techniques and equipment required for space flights of
extended periods. These flights will also determine the physiological
and psychological reactions and the performance capabilities of
the new crew while being subjected to extended periods in a space
environment.
2.2 Rendezvous The rendezvous and docking maneuver in space
may be compared to aerial refueling in that it makes possible
the resupply of a vehicle in space and thus extends its mission
capabilities. This maneuver makes it possible to put a much larger
“effective” payload in space with a given booster. Since most space
projects are “booster limited” at present, the development of
techniques for getting the most out of available boosters should
undoubtedly be treated as of highest priority. As the frequency
of manned orbital flights increases, there will be instances when
orbital rescue, personnel transfer, and spacecraft repair will be
highly desirable. To accomplish these missions develop[6]ment of
orbital rendezvous techniques is mandatory. Among the problem
areas which are involved in effecting a successful rendezvous and
docking maneuver are the following: