Space Platforms for NASA -Opportunity or Pitfall?

Described are the NASA efforts to determine if platform to pool payload services are cost effective. The platform concept originated from the short shuttle life on orbit, the shuttle capability to assemble aggregating structures, and the belief that economies might be obtained from shared services and repair. About eighty payloads in NASAs future were identified for consideration. Contractor and in-house studies have produced platform configurations. Comparative cost studies are currently being done. Results have been obtained, but enthusiasm is being reserved (as of March) until sufficient review has been achieved. The platform approach has a large intuitive following; if platforms appear to be cost effective, they are likely to become a very visible part of the NASA space effort