to approximately 24 and 6 hours, respectively. After insertion into orbit and separation from the second Saturn stage (S-IVB), the Apollo Command and Service Module will turn around, dock and extract the Docking Module which will be internally mounted in the adapter area in essentially the same manner that the Lunar Module was extracted during the Apollo lunar missions. The Apollo Command and Service Module will then have the docking module attached in place of the Lunar Module. The Apollo spacecraft will perform the maneuvers necessary for rendezvous and docking with the Soyuz using the universal mechanism on the Docking Module. For about 2 days, astronauts and cosmonauts will exchange visits between vehicles. They will conduct experiments some of which may be performed jointly. Additional tests of the docking mechanisms are planned and after final separation the two spacecraft will conduct independent activities before reentry. The Apollo phase of the mission will have a duration capability of up to 12 days.

The test mission is an important first step toward the international capability to conduct rescue missions in space and to enable manned spacecraft from two or more countries to participate in future cooperative activities. And because sev eral years of friendly cooperation are required just to plan and fly this one test mission, it takes on an additional symbolic significance and provides a feeling that even now, long before the flight, that a positive contribution is being made to the cause of peace and better understanding between nations.

There are other reasons why the ASTP is very much in the American interest at this time. It will take advantage of the capabilities, equipment and skills acquired from the Apollo and Skylab Programs. Also, it will develop a new docking system which can be incorporated into the design of the Space Shuttle, so that it can be used for rescue missions and for U.S. and multinational programs over many years.

In summary, this Project will contribute to the establishment of an international rescue capability; it will provide experience in effecting international communication, coordination and mutual understanding; it will provide the opportunity to identify and resolve problems which flow from differences in language, equipment and procedures; and, it may point the way to future joint activities based on mutual confidence and trust.

SPACE SHUTTLE

INTRODUCTION

The Space Shuttle represents a "second generation" space transportation system which takes full advantage of advanced technologies developed during earlier manned space flight programs. Several years of intensive study by NASA, the scientific community and the aerospace industry proved conclusively that the availability of this technology made the development of a lowcost transportation system based on a reusable vehicle technically and economically feasible. In view of this conclusion and in the conviction that such a transportation system would serve an important national need, the President authorized NASA in January 1972 to proceed with development of the Space Shuttle. After extensive hearings conducted in the spring of 1972, both by the House and the Senate, Congress appropriated fiscal year 1973 funds for the development phase of the Space Shuttle Program.

When the Space Shuttle becomes fully operational in the 1980's, it will mark the dawn of a new era in space operations. The Shuttle will make it possible to take advantage of many new opportunities in space, including scientific exploration, exploitation of the Earth's resources, improvement of communications, better international understanding, and enhancement of national security (figure 118).

With the firm decision to proceed in hand and the conceptual design phase virtually completed, the Space Shuttle Program has made solid progress since our last report to Congress. A number of key milestones were accomplished during 1972 (figure 119) (see p. 400). After congressional approval had been obtained the Shuttle Program organization was established and a management concept selected which is best suited to achieving Shuttle Program objectives on schedule, and within authorized funding limits. Major program milestones were defined, master schedules prepared and procedures developed to assure integration of the entire program. With the final Space Shuttle system configuration established (figure 120) (see p. 400) for the contract for development of the Orbiter high

pressure engines was finalized, a contractor selected for Orbiter vehicle development and systems integration, and requirements for selection of Governmentfurnished equipment (GFE) contractors were defined. Launch and landing sites were selected, the environmental impact of the Shuttle was assessed and detailed cost analyses were completed to insure that development costs and costs per flight would not exceed the values calculated during the program study phase.

Space Shuttle management plan

For the Space Shuttle Program a mangement plan was selected which makes use of the institutional capabilities and resources developed for previous manned space flight programs. The Shuttle Program office, which is a part of the Office of Manned Space Flight (OMSF) located at NASA Headquarters in Washington, D.C. is responsible for overall systems performance, schedules and resources control. The Johnson Space Center at Houston, Texas, serves as an extension of the HQ program office and has been assigned responsibility for day-to-day program management. In this capacity it develops project plans and schedules, performs system integration, recommends allocation of resources to individual projects, and exercises change control with respect to technical details, schedules and resources. JSC is assisted in these tasks by the prime (Orbiter) contractor, Rockwell International Corp. which has been assigned responsibility for systems engineering and integration. Contractors are being encouraged to make maximum use of their own management systems to control program costs, schedules and technical performance, in order to keep program management costs to a minimum. Program schedules and integration

On the basis of detailed work statements prepared during the proposal stage, master schedules were developed which serve as the principal guides for program managers and contractors. They are used to plan the program in an orderly manner, to establish priorities for resources allocation and to measure progress. Key milestones have been defined which serve as program "sign posts," to advise management as to when specific program decisions have to be made. These master schedules delineate milestones and activities in detail for the next, two fiscal years, both for the overall Shuttle Program (figure 121) and for all major SPACE SHUTTLE SCHEDULE