Space Truss

by Brian Fortner, Contributing Editor; Civil Engineering Magazine, ASCE World Headquarters, 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Reston, VA.,


Serial Information: Civil Engineering—ASCE, 2000, Vol. 70, Issue 4, Pg. 36-43


Document Type: Feature article

Abstract:

The International Space Station will be more than 310 ft (94 m) long when it is completed sometime in the next decade. The backbone of the structure is a hexagonal truss system that will be launched into space in 10 segments. Once in orbit, the truss resists inertial loading from shuttle docking, crew movement, and thruster action; acts as a conduit for utilities; and withstands extreme temperature variations on orbit.

Subject Headings: Trusses | Space truss | Space stations | Orbits | Utilities | Thrust | Thermal loads

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