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This paper is a continuation in the series of papers that have been presented annualy that trace the evolution of the Node. Since last year's paper (921252) the design of the Node outfitting has matured significantly. Many interference and packaging problems were identified and resolved. This paper will concentrate on the first Node to be launched, Node 2. It will briefly discuss the build-up of Space Station Freedom (SSF), and the launch manifest for the Nodes.

Following the realization that adequate Space Station Freedom (see figure 1) viewing could not be achieved without breaking the plane of the modules, a conceptual design phase for the development of a cupola progressed from the idea of a small, bubble-type canopy to a much larger, two crewmember cupola. The evolving cupola conceptual designs were each evaluated against the requirements for providing a large field-of-view, a complete proximity control workstation with flexible and relocatable restraints, and sufficient volume for two, 95th percentile crewmembers to operate while still maintaining reasonable weight and size restrictions. As the SS Freedom program Preliminary Design Review draws closer, the cupola development phase shifts towards evaluation of viewing and operational capability.

This paper discusses designs for outfitting NASA Space Station Resource Nodes. It briefly summarizes the evolution of Resource Nodes to their current configuration and discusses functional and design requirements driving their overall configuration and internal outfitting. Significant features of Resource Node internal architecture, distributed system packaging, crew accommodations, and utility distribution are described. This approach to Resource Node outfitting meets current requirements for crew operations, on-orbit maintainability, and growth for the projected 30 year life of the Space Station.