Orbital replacement unit
Encyclopedia
Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs) are key elements of the International Space Station
that can be readily replaced when the unit either passes its design life or fails. Examples of ORUs are: pumps, storage tanks, controller boxes, antennas, and battery units. Such units are replaced either by astronauts during EVA or by the SPDM Arm. All are stored on the three External Stowage Platform
s (ESPs) or the four ExPRESS Logistics Carrier
s (ELCs) mounted on the Integrated Truss Structure
(ITS).
Several Shuttle missions were dedicated to the delivery of ORUs using support carrier structures/pallets of which some remained in the cargo bay, some that were deployed and retrieved and other pallets that were designed to be removed from the payload bay by RMS and placed onto the station.
Deployable pallet flights included STS-102
with External Stowage Platform
ESP-1, STS-114
with ESP-2, STS-118
with ESP-2, STS-129
with ExPRESS Logistics Carrier
ELC-1 and ELC-2, STS-133
with ELC-4 and STS-134
with ELC-3.
Other modes of ORU delivery included:
Payload bay sidewall mounted ORUs, such as BCDUs, were regularly carried and transported to the ISS via EVAs.
Also, three flights of the Integrated Cargo Carrier
(ICC) which remained in the cargo bay on flights STS-102
, STS-105
and STS-121
; one use of the ICC-Lite on STS-122
(a shortened version of the ICC); two uses of the ICC-Vertical Light Deployable on STS-127
as ICC-VLD and STS-132
as ICC-VLD2, which were deployed and retrieved during the mission; and five uses of the Lightweight MPESS Carrier (LMC) on STS-114
, STS-126
, STS-128
, STS-131
and STS-135
, the LMC was not designed to be deployed and remained in the shuttle payload bay throughout the flight.
To date other than the Space Shuttle missions, only one other mode of transportation of ORUs was utilised by the station, the Japanese cargo vessel HTV-2 delivered an FHRC and CTC-4 via its Exposed Pallet (EP).
(EATCS). As well as storage tanks for oxygen as part of the station Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). ORUs, can be hardware such as radiators, or simply batteries or communication antennas. Essentially any element that can readily be removed and replaced when required.
The replaceable modular nature of the station allows its life to be extended well beyond its initial design life, theoretically.
Three spares – ESP-2 FRAM-7 (keel side), ESP-3 FRAM-2 (top side), ELC-4 FRAM-5 (keel side)
Three spares – ESP-3 FRAM-3 (top side), ELC-1 FRAM-7 (keel side), ELC-2 FRAM-6 (keel side)
Two spares – ELC-1 FRAM-9 (keel side), ELC-3 FRAM-5 (keel side)
Two spares – ELC-1 FRAM-6 (keel side) ELC-2 FRAM-9 (keel side)
One spare – ELC-3 FRAM-6 (keel side), one depleted tank ELC-2 FRAM-4 (top side)
Three units – CTC-3 on ELC-2 FRAM-2 (top side), CTC-2 on ELC-4 FRAM-2 (keel side), CTC-5 on ELC-3 FRAM-1 (top side)
Two spares – ESP-3 FRAM-1 (top side), ESP-2 FRAM-5 (keel side)
Two spares – ELC-1 FRAM-5 (top side), ELC-2 FRAM-5 (top side)
Two spares – ELC-3 FRAM-4 (top side), ELC-3 FRAM-7 (keel side)
Three spares – ESP-1 FRAM-2, , ESP-2 FRAM-2 (top side), ESP-2 FRAM-3 (top side)
Two spares – ESP-3 FRAM-6 (keel side), ELC-1 FRAM-4 (top side)
Two spares – ESP-2 FRAM-4 (top side), ESP-2 FRAM-6 (keel side)
The TUS reel assembly (TUS-RA) is basically a large spool much like a garden hose reel that pays out cable when the MT moves away and rolls it back up as the MT returns to the center of the truss. This is the same TUS-RA retrieved during STS-121
. It was replaced and this failed unit was returned to earth and refurbished to later fly on ELC-2.
The SSRMS has two identical grapple end points called LEE that enable it to reattach either end to the station as its new base.
The heat rejection subsystem (HRS) consists of a base, eight panels, torque panel, torque arm, an interconnected fluid system, a scissors-type deployment mechanism and a computer controlled motor/cable deployment system. Part of the station’s external active thermal control system (EATCS), the HRS radiator rejects thermal energy via radiation.
The LDU provides drive and stopping forces for the mobile transporter along the integrated truss structure rail.
The plasma contactor unit (PCU) is used to disperse the electrical charge that builds up by providing an electrically conductive “ground path” to the plasma environment surrounding the ISS. This prevents the electrical discharges and provides a means of controlling crew shock hazard during EVA. There are two PCUs located on the ISS Zenith 1 Truss, both of which are operated during EVA.
Each external loop contains a pump and flow control system (PFCS) which contains most of the controls and mechanical systems that drive the EEATCS. There are 2 pumps per PFCS which circulate ammonia throughout the external coolant loops
The UTA is a processor that allows power, signals and data to flow across the SARJ by roll rings incorporated within.
International Space Station
The International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
that can be readily replaced when the unit either passes its design life or fails. Examples of ORUs are: pumps, storage tanks, controller boxes, antennas, and battery units. Such units are replaced either by astronauts during EVA or by the SPDM Arm. All are stored on the three External Stowage Platform
External Stowage Platform
External Stowage Platforms are key components of the International Space Station . Each ESP is an external pallet that can hold spare parts, also known as Orbital Replacement Units , for the space station. As a platform it is not pressurized, but does require electricity to power the heaters of...
s (ESPs) or the four ExPRESS Logistics Carrier
EXPRESS Logistics Carrier
An ExPRESS logistics carrier is an unpressurized attached payload platform for the International Space Station that provides mechanical mounting surfaces, electrical power, and command and data handling services for Orbital Replacement Units as well as science experiments on the ISS...
s (ELCs) mounted on the Integrated Truss Structure
Integrated Truss Structure
the Integrated Truss Structure forms the backbone of the International Space Station, with mountings for unpressurized logistics carriers, radiators, solar arrays, and other equipment.-History:...
(ITS).
Introduction
While spare parts/ORUs were routinely brought up and down during the ISS life-time via Space Shuttle resupply missions, there was a heavy emphasis once the Station was considered complete.Several Shuttle missions were dedicated to the delivery of ORUs using support carrier structures/pallets of which some remained in the cargo bay, some that were deployed and retrieved and other pallets that were designed to be removed from the payload bay by RMS and placed onto the station.
Deployable pallet flights included STS-102
STS-102
STS-102 was a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery and launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida...
with External Stowage Platform
External Stowage Platform
External Stowage Platforms are key components of the International Space Station . Each ESP is an external pallet that can hold spare parts, also known as Orbital Replacement Units , for the space station. As a platform it is not pressurized, but does require electricity to power the heaters of...
ESP-1, STS-114
STS-114
-Original crew:This mission was to carry the Expedition 7 crew to the ISS and bring home the Expedition 6 crew. The original crew was to be:-Mission highlights:...
with ESP-2, STS-118
STS-118
- Crew notes :Astronaut Clayton Anderson originally was slated to be launched to the ISS on this mission, but was moved to STS-117. His replacement was Alvin Drew....
with ESP-2, STS-129
STS-129
-Crew seat assignments:-Mission payload:-ExPRESS Logistics Carriers 1 and 2:The primary payload of STS-129 was the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier and the ELC-2. The mass capacity of each ELC is with a volume of 30 meters cubed...
with ExPRESS Logistics Carrier
EXPRESS Logistics Carrier
An ExPRESS logistics carrier is an unpressurized attached payload platform for the International Space Station that provides mechanical mounting surfaces, electrical power, and command and data handling services for Orbital Replacement Units as well as science experiments on the ISS...
ELC-1 and ELC-2, STS-133
STS-133
STS-133 was the 133rd mission in NASA's Space Shuttle program; during the mission, Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station. It was Discoverys 39th and final mission. The mission launched on 24 February 2011, and landed on 9 March 2011...
with ELC-4 and STS-134
STS-134
STS-134 was the penultimate mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program. The mission marked the 25th and final flight of . This flight delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and an ExPRESS Logistics Carrier to the International Space Station. Mark Kelly served as the mission commander...
with ELC-3.
Other modes of ORU delivery included:
Payload bay sidewall mounted ORUs, such as BCDUs, were regularly carried and transported to the ISS via EVAs.
Also, three flights of the Integrated Cargo Carrier
Integrated cargo carrier
Integrated Cargo Carriers were unpressurized flat bed pallet and keel yoke assemblies carried in the Space Shuttle payload bay, but were never removed during flight. Note that External Stowage Platforms 1 thru 3 and ExPRESS Logistics Carriers 1 thru 4 were of similar construction but were intended...
(ICC) which remained in the cargo bay on flights STS-102
STS-102
STS-102 was a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery and launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida...
, STS-105
STS-105
STS-105 was a mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station, launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 10 August 2001. This mission was Discoverys final mission until STS-114, because Discovery was grounded for a refit, and then all Shuttles were grounded in the wake...
and STS-121
STS-121
STS-121 was a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery. The main purposes of the mission were to test new safety and repair techniques introduced following the Columbia disaster of February 2003 as well as to deliver supplies, equipment and...
; one use of the ICC-Lite on STS-122
STS-122
STS-122 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station , flown by the Space Shuttle Atlantis. STS-122 marked the 24th shuttle mission to the ISS, and the 121st space shuttle flight since STS-1....
(a shortened version of the ICC); two uses of the ICC-Vertical Light Deployable on STS-127
STS-127
STS-127 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station . It was the twenty-third flight of . The primary purpose of the STS-127 mission was to deliver and install the final two components of the Japanese Experiment Module: the Exposed Facility , and the Exposed Section of the...
as ICC-VLD and STS-132
STS-132
STS-132 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission, during which Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with the International Space Station on 16 May 2010. STS-132 was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on 14 May 2010. The primary payload was the Russian Rassvet Mini-Research Module, along with an Integrated...
as ICC-VLD2, which were deployed and retrieved during the mission; and five uses of the Lightweight MPESS Carrier (LMC) on STS-114
STS-114
-Original crew:This mission was to carry the Expedition 7 crew to the ISS and bring home the Expedition 6 crew. The original crew was to be:-Mission highlights:...
, STS-126
STS-126
-Crew notes:Originally scheduled to fly on STS-126 was Joan E. Higginbotham, who was a mission specialist on STS-116. On 21 November 2007, NASA announced a change in the crew manifest due to Higginbotham's decision to leave NASA to take a job in the private sector. Stephen G...
, STS-128
STS-128
-Crew notes:Nicole Stott was originally scheduled to return aboard Soyuz TMA-15, but a change in the flight plan was made due to the possible flight delays in future shuttle missions, which may extend Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk's mission beyond the six-month duration preferred for station...
, STS-131
STS-131
STS-131 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station . launched on 5 April 2010 at 6:22 am from Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39A, and landed at 9:08 am on 20 April 2010 on runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility...
and STS-135
STS-135
STS-135 was the final mission of the American Space Shuttle program. It used the orbiter Atlantis and hardware originally processed for the STS-335 contingency mission, which was not flown. STS-135 launched on 8 July and was originally scheduled to land on 20 July 2011, but the mission was...
, the LMC was not designed to be deployed and remained in the shuttle payload bay throughout the flight.
To date other than the Space Shuttle missions, only one other mode of transportation of ORUs was utilised by the station, the Japanese cargo vessel HTV-2 delivered an FHRC and CTC-4 via its Exposed Pallet (EP).
Types of ORUs
Orbital replacement units are parts of the main systems and subsystems of the external elements of the ISS. Affecting the control of the cooling system, the movement and control of the solar arrays and SARJ as well as the flow of power throughout the station from solar arrays to the heat rejection system as part of the External Active Thermal Control SystemExternal Active Thermal Control System
External Active Thermal Control System The International Space Station External Active Thermal Control System maintains an equilibrium when the ISS environment or heat loads exceed the capabilities of the Passive Thermal Control System . Note Elements of the PTCS are external surface materials,...
(EATCS). As well as storage tanks for oxygen as part of the station Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLSS). ORUs, can be hardware such as radiators, or simply batteries or communication antennas. Essentially any element that can readily be removed and replaced when required.
The replaceable modular nature of the station allows its life to be extended well beyond its initial design life, theoretically.
Multiple spares
- Flex hose rotary coupler (FHRC) weight approx. 900 lbs. × 1 unit each on S1 & P1 Truss. The FHRC provides the transfer of liquid ammonia across the Thermal Radiator Rotary Joint (TRRJ) between the P1 & S1 truss segments and the Heat Rejection System Radiators (HRSRs).
Three spares – ESP-2 FRAM-7 (keel side), ESP-3 FRAM-2 (top side), ELC-4 FRAM-5 (keel side)
- Pump Module (PM) weight 780 lbs. x 1 unit each on S1 & P1 Truss. The PM is part of the station’s complex External Active Thermal Control System (ETCS), which provides vital cooling to internal and external avionics, crew members, and payloads. The station has two independent cooling loops. The external loops use an ammonia-based coolant and the internal loops use water cooling.
Three spares – ESP-3 FRAM-3 (top side), ELC-1 FRAM-7 (keel side), ELC-2 FRAM-6 (keel side)
- Ammonia tank assembly (ATA) weight 1,702 lbs. x 1 unit each on S1 & P1 truss. The primary function of the ATA is to store the ammonia used by the external thermal control system (ETCS). The major components in the ATA include two ammonia storage tanks, isolation valves, heaters, and various temperature, pressure, and quantity sensors. There is one ATA per loop located on the zenith side of the Starboard 1 (Loop A) and Port 1 (Loop B) truss segments.
Two spares – ELC-1 FRAM-9 (keel side), ELC-3 FRAM-5 (keel side)
- Nitrogen tank assembly (NTA) weight 550 lbs. each × 1 unit each on S1 & P1 truss. The NTA provides a high-pressure gaseous nitrogen supply to control the flow of ammonia out of the ATA. The ATA contains two flexible, chambers incorporated into its ammonia tanks that expand as pressurized nitrogen expels liquid ammonia out of them.
Two spares – ELC-1 FRAM-6 (keel side) ELC-2 FRAM-9 (keel side)
- High-pressure gas tank assembly (HPGTA) weight 1,240 lbs. x 5 units on quest. High-pressure oxygen and nitrogen gas tanks onboard the ISS provide support for EVA and contingency metabolic support for the crew. This high-pressure O2 and N2 is brought to the ISS by the high-pressure gas tanks (HPGT) and is replenished by the Space Shuttle.
One spare – ELC-3 FRAM-6 (keel side), one depleted tank ELC-2 FRAM-4 (top side)
- Cargo Transport Container (CTC) each can weigh between 1,000 and 1,300 lbs. A container used to transport smaller ORUs such as Remote Power Control Modules in bulk, which may also be used during EVA or by the SPDM. NASA purchased 5 CTCs for such deliveries.
Three units – CTC-3 on ELC-2 FRAM-2 (top side), CTC-2 on ELC-4 FRAM-2 (keel side), CTC-5 on ELC-3 FRAM-1 (top side)
- Pitch/roll joint (P/R‐J) x 2 units on the SSRMS. A Wrist joint with several degrees of freedom, designed to be replaced on orbit if required.
Two spares – ESP-3 FRAM-1 (top side), ESP-2 FRAM-5 (keel side)
- Control moment gyroscope (CMG) weight 600 lbs. × 4 units on Z1 Truss. A CMG consists of a single-piece 25-inch diameter, 220-pound stainless steel flywheel that rotates at a constant speed of 6,600 rpm and develops an angular momentum of 3,600 ft-lb-sec (4,880 N-m-s) about its spin axis. The CMGs can also be used to perform attitude maneuvers. The CMGs rely on electrical power provided by the solar powered electrical subsystem.
Two spares – ELC-1 FRAM-5 (top side), ELC-2 FRAM-5 (top side)
- S-band antenna support assembly (SASA) weight 256 lbs each × 2 active units and one other spare on ISS. The SASA consists of the assembly contingency radio frequency group (RFG, or ACRFG), SASA boom and avionics wire harness.
Two spares – ELC-3 FRAM-4 (top side), ELC-3 FRAM-7 (keel side)
- Direct-current switching unit (DCSU) weight 218 lbs. x 2 units each on the 4 IEAs. The DCSU routes battery power to the MBSU distribution bus to satisfy power demands. In addition to primary power distribution, the DCSU has the additional responsibilities of routing secondary power to components on the PV modules.
Three spares – ESP-1 FRAM-2, , ESP-2 FRAM-2 (top side), ESP-2 FRAM-3 (top side)
- Battery charge/discharge unit (BCDU) weight 235 lbs. × 6 each on each of the 4 IEAs. The BCDU is a bidirectional power converter that serves a dual function of charging the batteries during solar collection periods (isolation) and providing conditioned battery power to the primary power buses during eclipse periods.
Two spares – ESP-3 FRAM-6 (keel side), ELC-1 FRAM-4 (top side)
- Main bus switching unit (MBSU) weight 220 lbs. × 4 units on S0 Truss. The MBSUs act as the distribution hub for the EPS system. The four MBSUs onboard the ISS are all located on the starboard zero (S0) truss. Each of MBSU receives primary power from two power channels and distributes it downstream to the DDCUs.
Two spares – ESP-2 FRAM-4 (top side), ESP-2 FRAM-6 (keel side)
Single Spares
- Mobile transporter trailing umbilical system-reel assembly (MT TUS-RA) weight 354 lbs. at ELC-2 FRAM-8 (keel side) x 1 unit on MT
The TUS reel assembly (TUS-RA) is basically a large spool much like a garden hose reel that pays out cable when the MT moves away and rolls it back up as the MT returns to the center of the truss. This is the same TUS-RA retrieved during STS-121
STS-121
STS-121 was a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery. The main purposes of the mission were to test new safety and repair techniques introduced following the Columbia disaster of February 2003 as well as to deliver supplies, equipment and...
. It was replaced and this failed unit was returned to earth and refurbished to later fly on ELC-2.
- Latching end effector (LEE) weight 415 lbs. at ELC-1 FRAM-1 (top side) x 3 units on ISS
The SSRMS has two identical grapple end points called LEE that enable it to reattach either end to the station as its new base.
- Special-purpose dextrous manipulator (SPDM) arm at ELC-3 FRAM-2 (top side) x 2 arms on SPDM
- Heat Rejection System Radiator (HRSR) weight 2,475 lbs. at ELC-4 (top side) x 3 units each on S1 & P1 Truss
The heat rejection subsystem (HRS) consists of a base, eight panels, torque panel, torque arm, an interconnected fluid system, a scissors-type deployment mechanism and a computer controlled motor/cable deployment system. Part of the station’s external active thermal control system (EATCS), the HRS radiator rejects thermal energy via radiation.
- Linear drive unit (LDU) weight 255 lbs. at ESP-3 FRAM-4 (top side) x 1 on the MT
The LDU provides drive and stopping forces for the mobile transporter along the integrated truss structure rail.
- Space-to-ground antenna (SGANT) weight 194 lbs. at ESP-3 FRAM-5 (keel side) x 2 units on Z1 Truss
- Plasma contactor unit (PCU) weight 350 lbs. at ELC-1 FRAM-2 (top side) x 2 units on the Truss
The plasma contactor unit (PCU) is used to disperse the electrical charge that builds up by providing an electrically conductive “ground path” to the plasma environment surrounding the ISS. This prevents the electrical discharges and provides a means of controlling crew shock hazard during EVA. There are two PCUs located on the ISS Zenith 1 Truss, both of which are operated during EVA.
- Pump flow control subassembly (PFCS) weight 235 lbs. at ESP-1 FRAM-1 x 12 units in total, 2 on each IEA x4 & 2 each on P6/S6 Spacers
Each external loop contains a pump and flow control system (PFCS) which contains most of the controls and mechanical systems that drive the EEATCS. There are 2 pumps per PFCS which circulate ammonia throughout the external coolant loops
- Utility transfer assembly (UTA) at ESP-2 FRAM-8 (keel side) x 2 units on the truss
The UTA is a processor that allows power, signals and data to flow across the SARJ by roll rings incorporated within.
See also
- International Space StationInternational Space StationThe International Space Station is a habitable, artificial satellite in low Earth orbit. The ISS follows the Salyut, Almaz, Cosmos, Skylab, and Mir space stations, as the 11th space station launched, not including the Genesis I and II prototypes...
(ISS) - Integrated truss structureIntegrated Truss Structurethe Integrated Truss Structure forms the backbone of the International Space Station, with mountings for unpressurized logistics carriers, radiators, solar arrays, and other equipment.-History:...
(ITS) - Electrical system of the International Space StationElectrical system of the International Space StationThe electrical system of the International Space Station is a critical resource for the International Space Station because it allows the crew to live comfortably, to safely operate the station, and to perform scientific experiments. The ISS electrical system uses solar cells to directly convert...
- Environmental control and life support systemLife support systemIn human spaceflight, a life support system is a group of devices that allow a human being to survive in space.US government space agency NASA,and private spaceflight companies...
(ECLSS) - Integrated cargo carrierIntegrated cargo carrierIntegrated Cargo Carriers were unpressurized flat bed pallet and keel yoke assemblies carried in the Space Shuttle payload bay, but were never removed during flight. Note that External Stowage Platforms 1 thru 3 and ExPRESS Logistics Carriers 1 thru 4 were of similar construction but were intended...
s (ICCs) STS-105STS-105STS-105 was a mission of the Space Shuttle Discovery to the International Space Station, launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida, 10 August 2001. This mission was Discoverys final mission until STS-114, because Discovery was grounded for a refit, and then all Shuttles were grounded in the wake...
ICC, STS-121STS-121STS-121 was a space shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery. The main purposes of the mission were to test new safety and repair techniques introduced following the Columbia disaster of February 2003 as well as to deliver supplies, equipment and...
ICC, STS-122STS-122STS-122 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station , flown by the Space Shuttle Atlantis. STS-122 marked the 24th shuttle mission to the ISS, and the 121st space shuttle flight since STS-1....
ICC-Lite, STS-126STS-126-Crew notes:Originally scheduled to fly on STS-126 was Joan E. Higginbotham, who was a mission specialist on STS-116. On 21 November 2007, NASA announced a change in the crew manifest due to Higginbotham's decision to leave NASA to take a job in the private sector. Stephen G...
LMC, STS-127STS-127STS-127 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station . It was the twenty-third flight of . The primary purpose of the STS-127 mission was to deliver and install the final two components of the Japanese Experiment Module: the Exposed Facility , and the Exposed Section of the...
ICC-VLD, STS-128STS-128-Crew notes:Nicole Stott was originally scheduled to return aboard Soyuz TMA-15, but a change in the flight plan was made due to the possible flight delays in future shuttle missions, which may extend Canadian astronaut Robert Thirsk's mission beyond the six-month duration preferred for station...
LMC, STS-131STS-131STS-131 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station . launched on 5 April 2010 at 6:22 am from Kennedy Space Center's launch pad 39A, and landed at 9:08 am on 20 April 2010 on runway 33 at the Kennedy Space Center's Shuttle Landing Facility...
LMC, STS-132STS-132STS-132 was a NASA Space Shuttle mission, during which Space Shuttle Atlantis docked with the International Space Station on 16 May 2010. STS-132 was launched from the Kennedy Space Center on 14 May 2010. The primary payload was the Russian Rassvet Mini-Research Module, along with an Integrated...
ICC-VLD2, STS-135STS-135STS-135 was the final mission of the American Space Shuttle program. It used the orbiter Atlantis and hardware originally processed for the STS-335 contingency mission, which was not flown. STS-135 launched on 8 July and was originally scheduled to land on 20 July 2011, but the mission was...
LMC
- External Stowage PlatformExternal Stowage PlatformExternal Stowage Platforms are key components of the International Space Station . Each ESP is an external pallet that can hold spare parts, also known as Orbital Replacement Units , for the space station. As a platform it is not pressurized, but does require electricity to power the heaters of...
(ESPs) STS-102STS-102STS-102 was a Space Shuttle mission to the International Space Station flown by Space Shuttle Discovery and launched from Kennedy Space Center, Florida...
ICC & ESP-1, STS-114STS-114-Original crew:This mission was to carry the Expedition 7 crew to the ISS and bring home the Expedition 6 crew. The original crew was to be:-Mission highlights:...
ESP-2 & LMC, STS-118STS-118- Crew notes :Astronaut Clayton Anderson originally was slated to be launched to the ISS on this mission, but was moved to STS-117. His replacement was Alvin Drew....
ESP-3 - ExPRESS logistics carrierEXPRESS Logistics CarrierAn ExPRESS logistics carrier is an unpressurized attached payload platform for the International Space Station that provides mechanical mounting surfaces, electrical power, and command and data handling services for Orbital Replacement Units as well as science experiments on the ISS...
(ELCs) STS-129STS-129-Crew seat assignments:-Mission payload:-ExPRESS Logistics Carriers 1 and 2:The primary payload of STS-129 was the ExPRESS Logistics Carrier and the ELC-2. The mass capacity of each ELC is with a volume of 30 meters cubed...
ELC-1 & 2, STS-133STS-133STS-133 was the 133rd mission in NASA's Space Shuttle program; during the mission, Space Shuttle Discovery docked with the International Space Station. It was Discoverys 39th and final mission. The mission launched on 24 February 2011, and landed on 9 March 2011...
ELC-3, STS-134STS-134STS-134 was the penultimate mission of NASA's Space Shuttle program. The mission marked the 25th and final flight of . This flight delivered the Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer and an ExPRESS Logistics Carrier to the International Space Station. Mark Kelly served as the mission commander...
ELC-4 - Scientific research on the ISSScientific research on the ISSScientific Research on the International Space Station is a collection of experiments that require one or more of the unusual conditions present in low Earth orbit. The primary fields of research include human research, space medicine, life sciences, physical sciences, astronomy and meteorology...