posted 09-14-2007 03:44 PM            

quote:

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Originally posted by KSCartist:
If utilized in this way then they wouldn't need anything but "lights".

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posted 05-06-2009 07:46 PM               

"The study is back on the table so we're looking at adding what we call a 'PLM', a permanent logistics module to the International Space Station. And I believe it is 'Unit 2' and I'm not quite sure what that one [MPLM] is specifically called.

The trade study goes like, well, you know, if we leave a permanent MPLM on orbit, probably some additional micro-meteoroid debris shields need to be added to it [and] some system upgrades need to be added to it, to a degree. So, that would take away some of our precious up-mass that we'd like to get to orbit.

On the flip side, as we look at on-orbit stowage and efficiency of crew time, and trying to pack your closets the best way that you can, there's a lot of gain on that side. It doesn't come cost free and so we will be weighing those three factors.

I believe we're about a month, month and a half away from making a decision on that."

posted 09-04-2009 11:39 PM               

According to ISS Program Manager Mike Suffredini just two days ago, the MPLM to be adapted as the PLM is Leonardo (currently on-orbit with STS-128), not Raffaello.

Suffredini did say the plan could change, but currently, Leonardo is it.

There's also some reason to believe that the decision (to fly the PLM) isn't as firm yet as the article makes it out to be.

As late as this morning, the ISS Program was still debating having STS-128 spacewalkers Danny Olivas and Christer Fuglesang hold off on part of the cable configuration needed to support Node 3 Tranquility on the port side of Node 1 Unity. There is some concern about clearances between Unity, Tranquility, the Russian MRM, the PLM and arriving logistic flights (i.e. ATV, HTV and COTS).

One of the plans under consideration as of this morning was for STS-130 to deliver Tranquility (with the Cupola) but to only give it "keep alive" power, keep it shut, and wait until it could be moved from the port side of Unity to Unity's nadir. The PLM would then be berthed at Harmony zenith.

But this afternoon, the STS-128 crew was told that Suffredini himself had made the call to proceed with their EVA as originally planned: that Tranquility would be going to Unity port and staying there (though he also reportedly reserved the right to change plans later, after the spacewalk/mission).

posted 02-26-2010 12:19 PM               

NASA and Italian Space Agency Find New Use for Module

NASA and the Italian Space Agency announced a new use for an existing Multi Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) known as "Leonardo." It will be transformed into a Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) for the International Space Station.

For nearly a decade, the Italian-built logistic modules have flown inside the payload bays of NASA's shuttle fleet, successfully delivering vital hardware and supplies to the station. The new use for this proven carrier will enhance the use of the station.

Leonardo will undergo modifications to ensure safe, long-term operation as the PMM, and to increase the amount of mass it can carry to orbit. The supply-laden PMM will be flown aboard shuttle Discovery during the STS-133 mission in September and attached to the station.

The added space within the PMM will enable efficient positioning of experiments throughout the station complex. Inside the PMM, experiments in fluid physics, materials science, biology, biotechnology and other microgravity experiments may be conducted.