 Ever since the first successful powered flight, man has been fascinated with the possibility of expanding his horizons to the frontiers of space. Unfortunately, technology would take a while to catch up to man's imagination, but not for long. Manned space flight has become a reality which has surpassed even man's expectations. Now, it's time for the next step. Man's First Permanent Habitat in Space Sometime in the early 1990s, NASA plans to assemble and begin operation of its first permanently manned space station. Here at Marshall Space Flight Center, scientists and technicians are working to develop the modules which will be used as living laboratories for this long-term space exploration effort. The space shuttle will be used to ferry various space station components into a low-Earth orbit where they are to be assembled as they circle the Earth over 17,000 miles per hour. A variety of new construction methods are being developed as well. While based on those used on Earth, they must be adapted to the peculiarities of outer space. At the center of the space station are the pressurized modules where crews will work and live. Every attempt is being made to make their environment as comfortable as possible. The Habitation Module will be used for eating, sleeping, personal hygiene, waste management, and recreation. The modules will accommodate up to eight crew members. The Health Maintenance Facility is designed so the astronauts can monitor their own physical condition by checking their vital signs and using X-rays and blood samples. There will also be exercise equipment for daily physical conditioning. The U.S. Laboratory Module will provide a shirt sleeve work environment for performing many different experiments including materials processing, life sciences research, and solar system exploration. Many of the experiments require the unique environment of weightless space and offer incredible potential for solving a variety of medical and scientific problems here on Earth. The Logistics Module will consist of an interchangeable pressurized carrier which will provide expendable items such as food to be used by the space station crew on a continuing basis. The space station will also enable in-orbit assembly and checkout of large space structures such as antennas, astronomical telescopes, and satellites prior to their deployment in their own orbit. Also, the space station will provide an assembly area for construction of permanent man bases on the moon and beyond. Space Station, the link to America's future.