Did
you know?
Not
all payloads are carried to orbit in
the Shuttle's cargo bay. In-cabin payloads are carried in
the Shuttle's middeck. Cargo bay payloads are typically large
payloads, such as satellites and Space Station modules, which
do not require a pressurized environment. In contrast, in-cabin
payloads are generally smaller, and are not usually designed
for an unpressurized environment like the cargo bay.
Overhead cranes lower the Mobile Base
System onto the weight and center of gravity stand in the
Space Station Processing Facility.
In the Space Station Processing Facility,the Multi-Purpose
Logistics Module Leonardo is lifted from a workstand and
moved to the payload canister.
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STS-111
Payloads
International Space Station Flight UF-2
Mobile
Base System
The Mobile Base System, or MBS, is the second part of the International
Space Station's three-piece Mobile Servicing System. The MBS
is a work platform that moves along rails on the International
Space Station's Integrated Truss Structure. It will provide
lateral mobility for Canadarm2, the station's robot arm, as
it traverses the main trusses.
The MBS
is slated to be attached to the Mobile Transporter on Flight
Day 6. STS-111 spacewalkers will make power, data and video
cable connections and bolt it to the transporter during the
mission's second spacewalk on Flight Day 7. On Flight Day 8,
the MBS will be checked out.
Leonardo
The Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module will be making its
third trip to the International Space Station during STS-111.
Leonardo is one of three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules, or
MPLMs, built by the Italian Space Agency that serve as pressurized,
reusable cargo carriers to ferry supplies, equipment and experiments
between the ground and the space station.
During STS-111,
Leonardo will contain about 2,540 kilograms (5,600 pounds) of
cargo, including eight Resupply Stowage Racks, five Resupply
Stowage Platforms, two International Stowage Racks and two new
scientific experiment racks for the station. The new science
rack, EXPRESS Rack 3, will increase the orbital outpost's science
capabilities. The other scientific rack is the Microgravity
Science Glovebox. Other cargo includes supplies and equipment
for the station's new residents, the Expedition Five crew.
Leonardo
will be lifted out of Space Shuttle Endeavour's cargo bay and
installed onto the station's Unity Node on Flight Day 4. The
MPLM, which will be filled with items returning to Earth, is
scheduled to be returned to the payload bay on Flight Day 10.
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