Deep Space Vehicle with ESM and Manned Maneuvering Vehicles port bow
An
additional option for the Deep Space Vehicle (DSV) could be a module that
attaches to the bow of the Extended Stay Module (ESM) and supports one or
more Manned Maneuvering Vehicles (MMVs).
An MMV would be a kind of hybrid between a space suit and small spacecraft
permitting a single astronaut to maneuver independently of the DSV in the
microgravity of orbit, deep space or near the surface of a small asteroid.
The MMV would feature robotic arms controlled by the astronaut for
collecting samples and deploying sensors. The MMV also offers the astronaut
a panoramic view via a large spherical glass "helmet" (here covered to
protect against micrometeorites during transit).
|