Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

thumb|The [[Leonardo MPLM|Leonardo Multi-Purpose Logistics Module rests in s payload bay in this view taken from the ISS by a crew member using a digital still camera during STS-102.]]

thumb|The [[Raffaello MPLM|Raffaello Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, when berthed to the ISS during STS-114]]

The Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) was a large pressurized container that was used on Space Shuttle missions to transfer cargo to and from the International Space Station (ISS). Two MPLMs made a dozen trips in the Shuttle cargo bay, initially berthed to the Unity and later the Harmony module on the ISS. Once docked, supplies were offloaded, and finished experiments and waste were reloaded. The MPLM was then transferred back into the Shuttle’s cargo bay for return to Earth. Three modules were built by Alenia Aeronautica for the Italian Space Agency (ASI). They were named Leonardo, Raffaello, and Donatello.

The Leonardo module was modified in 2010 to turn it into the Permanent Multipurpose Module (PMM) and was permanently attached to the ISS during the STS-133 mission in March 2011. In July 2011, the Raffaello module was the primary payload on the final Space Shuttle mission. It returned with the Shuttle and was stored at the Kennedy Space Center. The Donatello module never launched. MPLMs were flown on 12 of the 37 Space Shuttle missions to the ISS.

The basic design of the MPLM was later used as the basis for two cargo spacecraft, the European Automated Transfer Vehicle and the American Cygnus.

History

The modules were provided to NASA under contract by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Three MPLMs were built and delivered to NASA and were named the ASI to honor some of the great talents in Italian history: Leonardo da Vinci, 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. In addition, ESA's Columbus module, the Harmony and Tranquility ISS modules and the ATV and Cygnus resupply craft all trace their origins to the MPLMs.

By the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, the Raffaello and Leonardo modules were flown a combined total of 12 times.

Design

The MPLM was a large cylinder equipped with a common berthing mechanism at one end, and grapple fixtures to allow the Canadarm-2 to move it from the shuttle bay to a berthing port on the US Orbital Segment of the ISS.

Power during launch

thumb|Remotely Operated Electrical Umbilical diagram

In order to provide power to equipment and experiments inside the MPLM during launch, the MPLM could be connected to the Shuttle's power supply by means of the Remotely Operated Electrical Umbilical (ROEU). The umbilical was mounted on the starboard side payload bay sidewall longeron, and was a folding arm umbilical that connected to the MPLM while it was in the payload bay. The arm was disconnected and retracted prior to the MPLM being removed for placement on the ISS and then reconnected once the MPLM was placed back inside the payload bay.

Program logo

thumb|MPLM logo

Since the module names are also the names of three of the four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, the NASA MPLM Group approached Mirage Studios artist A.C. Farley to design a logo featuring Raphael in an astronaut flight suit.

| 12,601

| 8,927

| 10

| 5 April 2010

| STS-131 ISS 19A

| Discovery

| Leonardo

| 12,371

| 9,242

| 11

| 24 February 2011

| STS-133 ISS ULF 5

| Discovery

| Leonardo PMM

|

| 12

| 8 July 2011

| STS-135 ISS ULF 7

| Raffaello

| 9,500

| 5,660

Specifications

The following are the specifications of the MPLM:

Length – 6.6 m (cylindrical part 4.8 m)
Width – 4.57 m which is located at NASA KSC. Leonardo is permanently attached to the ISS as PMM and should reenter in the atmosphere with it. Raffaello is located at an Axiom Space facility near Houston, in preparation to undergo work to become an element for the Axiom Commercial Space Station.