Multi-Purpose Logistics Module
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A Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) is a large pressurized container used on Space Shuttle missions to transfer cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS). An MPLM is carried in the cargo bay of a Shuttle and berthed to the Unity or Harmony module on the ISS. From there, supplies are offloaded and finished experiments and waste are loaded. The MPLM is then reberthed in the Shuttle for return to Earth.
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[edit] Background
The modules are provided to NASA under contract by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Three MPLMs were built and delivered to NASA and have names chosen by the ASI to denote some of the great talents in Italian history: Leonardo; Raffaello; and Donatello. Although built by ASI, the modules are owned by NASA. In exchange for building the MPLMs, ASI receives access to U.S. research time on the ISS.[1]
The MPLM was originally designed for Space Station Freedom. Initially, it was to be built by Boeing, but in 1992, the Italians announced that they would build a "Mini-Pressurized Logistics Module", able to carry 4,500 kilograms (4.5 t) of cargo. After the 1993 redesign, the length was doubled and it was renamed the "Multi-Purpose Logistics Module". Each empty MPLM is approximately 21 feet (6.4 m) long, 15 feet (4.6 m) in diameter, weighs 4.5 tonnes, and can deliver up to 10 tonnes of cargo to the ISS.[citation needed]
Donatello is a more capable module than its two siblings, as it is able to carry payloads that require continuous power from construction through to installation on the ISS. However, based on the current schedule, Donatello will not fly before the retirement of the Space Shuttle.
With the early end of the Space Shuttle program in 2010, the Raffaello and Leonardo modules will fly just eleven times based on the current schedule.
[edit] MPLM program logo
Since the module names are also the names of three of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the NASA MPLM Group designed a logo with a ninja turtle in an astronaut flight suit.[2] Because the Ninja Turtles are copyrighted by Mirage Studios, NASA had to give up the logo's copyright to Mirage in return for the use of the studio's character on the logo.[2]
[edit] Pressurized Multipurpose Module
A European proposal suggested fitting Donatello with enhanced micrometeoroid protection and cooling systems and leaving it attached to the ISS after the Space Shuttle fleet is retired. Costs for such MPLM modifications were estimated at $20M to $40M per unit. The MPLM would then be called a Pressurized Multipurpose Module (PMM), and it would house spare parts and supplies, allowing longer times between resupply missions. The proposal was rejected by NASA because it would require changes to existing plans and would entail additional costs.[3] Internal discussions continued [4] and managers considered the possibility of the last planned Shuttle flight (STS-133) leaving its MPLM permanently attached.[5] The United Launch Alliance also published a proposal for a system that could allow additional ISS modules to be launched on an EELV even after the retirement of the Shuttle.[6] Proponents of other launch vehicles have since made similar proposals to the Review of U.S. Manned Spaceflight Committee chaired by Norm Augustine. These launchers include DIRECT and John Shannon's SD-HLV. On August 5 2009 it was announced that STS-133 would indeed leave its PLM permanently attached to the station.[7] According to reports Leonardo is the MPLM that will be converted to a PMM.[8]
[edit] Completed missions
| Launch Date | Mission | Shuttle | MPLM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 March 2001 | STS-102 ISS 5A.1 | Discovery | Leonardo |
| 19 April 2001 | STS-100 ISS 6A | Endeavour | Raffaello |
| 10 August 2001 | STS-105 ISS 7A.1 | Discovery | Leonardo |
| 5 December 2001 | STS-108 ISS UF-1 | Endeavour | Raffaello |
| 5 June 2002 | STS-111 ISS UF-2 | Endeavour | Leonardo |
| 26 July 2005 | STS-114 ISS LF 1 | Discovery | Raffaello |
| 4 July 2006 | STS-121 ISS ULF 1.1 | Discovery | Leonardo |
| 14 November 2008 | STS-126 ISS ULF 2 | Endeavour | Leonardo |
| 28 August 2009 | STS-128 ISS 17A | Discovery | Leonardo[9] |
[edit] Scheduled missions
Two MPLM missions are planned for future Space Shuttle flights:[2]
| Launch Date | Mission | Shuttle | MPLM |
|---|---|---|---|
| NET 18 March 2010 | STS-131 ISS 19A | Discovery | Leonardo |
| NET 16 September 2010 | STS-133 ISS ULF 5 | Discovery | Leonardo PMM |
NET: No Earlier Than
[edit] Potential missions
| Launch Date | Mission | Shuttle | MPLM |
|---|---|---|---|
| NET 15 December 2010 | STS-335 - rescue mission for STS-133 and CSCS replenishment[10] | Atlantis | Raffaello |
[edit] Specifications
- Length - 6.4 m
- Width - 4.57 m
- Mass - 4,082 kg empty; 13,154 kg loaded
[edit] References
- ^ NASA (2007). Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules. NASA. Retrieved from http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/mplm.html.
- ^ a b c "Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Office". NASA MSFC. http://mplm.msfc.nasa.gov/. Retrieved February 22, 2009.
- ^ Coppinger, Rob (2008-04-02). "NASA rejects European ISS logistics project". Flightglobal.com. http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2008/04/02/222622/nasa-rejects-european-iss-logistics-project.html. Retrieved 2009-01-24.
- ^ Coppinger, Rob (2008-06-24). "NASA: MPLM may stay on orbit, docking rules to change and launch-on-need re-designated?". Flightglobal.com. http://www.flightglobal.com/blogs/hyperbola/2008/06/nasa-mplm-may-stay-on-orbit-do.html. Retrieved 2009-02-27.
- ^ Bergin, Chris (2009-05-05). "ISS considering the permanent attachment MPLM, advancement of STS-134". NASAspaceflight.com. http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/05/iss-considering-permanent-attachment-mplm-advancement-sts-134.
- ^ Foster, Mark. "System-of-Space Systems Architecture Utilizing Existing Space Assets to Complete and Re-Supply the International Space Station". http://www.ulalaunch.com/docs/publications/AIAASpace2008PaperMarkAFoster.pdf.
- ^ Gebhardt, Chris (2009-08-05). "STS-133 refined to a five crew, one EVA mission – will leave MPLM on ISS". NASAspaceflight.com. http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/08/sts-133-five-crew-one-eva-mission-leave-mpm-on-iss.
- ^ "Shuttle Q&A Part 5". NASASpaceflight.com. September 27, 2009. http://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?topic=17437.msg483604#msg483604. Retrieved October 14, 2009.
- ^ Chris Gebhardt (2008). "STS-128 - Atlantis' 2009 mission baselined by PRCB". NASAspaceflight.com. http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2008/08/sts-128-atlantis-2009-mission-baselined-by-prcb/.
- ^ Chris Bergin (13 October 2009). "NASA evaluate STS-335 flight – STS-133 targets cross country farewell tour". NASASpaceflight.com. http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2009/10/nasa-evaluate-sts-335-sts-133-cross-country-farewell/. Retrieved 14 October 2009.
[edit] External links
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