NASA 1980s and 1990s plans

Here are some interesting videos that show NASA's big plans during the 1980s and early 1990s.

The first big project was a large space station, called Space Station Freedom. This is one of the early configurations (the "dual-keel") shown as a miniature model. The footage manages to give some sense of scale of the completed station with the Shuttle docked.

Another large project was crewed Moon and Mars missions. These 1990 animations show some nice early computer animations. The overall hardware design is not much different from present day proposals.

As normal, the videos were assembled by joining sequences presented on diferent NASA documentaries. This allows to reconstruct the original resource reel and also to present a more complete view of the mission steps and hardware.

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Space Station Freedom interior resources

Although the project was canceled and evolved into the ISS, at least some mock-ups and trainers were built. Being the late 1980's not much reference photos exist on the web. I'm posting the all the images I could find for the convenience of having them together at a single place. This way the general layout of the station can be understood. Some of the solutions found their way into the ISS, others didn't. On general the station seems bigger and the concept would make a nice virtual cockpit for a "alternate history" simulation. Mock-ups: The four long modules running left to right contain the three laboratories and the habitability area. Between these are connecting capsules, and at far right can be seen the station commander's observation cupola. The colored spheres in the foreground assembly are gas containers, with oxygen, nitrogen and other gases for experimental use. A variation of the above arrangement 1989 mock-up with American, Eu...

Gemini B cockpit layout

The Gemini B was the military version of the Gemini spacecraft, adapted for use on the MOL (Manned Orbiting Laboratory) program. The general cockpit layout was similar, but many instruments were changed. I'm doing a 3D model of the cockpit, and as part of that I need to recreate the dashboard layout. For the normal Gemini we have great detailed instrument layouts, but for Gemini B we must work based on photos. I've identified as much labels as possible. Some probably have errors, but still I think you get the idea of the general operation. The main difference from the stock Gemini is that gauges and switches are more protected perhaps from accidental touching. Also you have controls for the MOL laboratory on the right hand panel. Left panel Center panel Bottom panel Right panel I'm working mainly based on two reference photos: (http://www.nro.gov) (unknown origin)

Orion cockpit layout

In preparation for my Constellation program add-on, I collected some images about Orion's cockpit panel layout. These are quite interesting and you can see how it is evolving. 2012 (NASA Systems Engineering Simulator) 2014 layout I assembled this view from a NASA video showing most parts of the panel and LCD displays. Resolution is good enough to read most of the labels. 2014 Mockup 2015 Mockup The 2015 mockup shows some diferences from the 2014 version. The design seems less monotonous and with a few less flip switches. Image sources: NASA

Orbiter Spaceport

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