Daimler-Benz Aerospace (Dasa) has delivered the first European component of the International Space Station (ISS) to Russian partner RSC Energia.
The Bremen-based Space Infrastructure unit of Dasa has handed over the computer and software for the Data Management System - Russia (DMS-R), a control, navigation and data-processing centre for the assembly of the station and the operation of all its Russian modules. The system was developed under contract to the European Space Agency (ESA).
It will also help maintain the track of the entire station in orbit during its planned ten-year life. The system's core fault-tolerant computer performs important guidance and control functions of station components, particularly during assembly.
The DMS-R also navigates and monitors the docking manoeuvres of transport and supply vehicles.
Costs and development were shared among four ESA member states: Belgium, France, Germany and the Netherlands, under the prime contractorship of Dasa. The Russian Space Agency and RSC Energia will integrate the operational software and install it in the Russian service module.
Station assembly is scheduled to begin with the launch of the first Russian module in June 1998, followed by the Russian service module in December.
Dasa is prime contractor on the station's European research laboratory, the Columbus Orbital Facility, and is one of the suppliers of the European Robotic Arm manipulator system. The company is also testing re-entry and landing procedures for future material and crew-transport vehicles, capsules and rescue systems.
Source: Flight International
