Feature

Node 2: Connecting Module


The Node 2 connecting module
 
The Node 2 connecting module
 
Node 2 is a pressurized module which will serve as a connecting passage between the European Columbus laboratory, the US laboratory Destiny and the Japanese laboratory Kibo.
 
Node 2 also provides a docking port for the Space Shuttle and the Japanese HII transfer vehicle, whilst it also serves as an attachment point for the Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules (MPLM). Node 2 is designed to be a working base point for the Space Station robotic arm, Canadarm 2.

Node 2 was developed for NASA under an ESA contract with European industry, with Alcatel-Alenia Space as the prime contractor. Responsibility for Node 2 development was assigned to the Italian space agency, ASI. The structural design is based on that of the MPLM and the European Columbus laboratory.

NASA held a competition amongst schoolchildren in the United States to find a name for the Node 2 module. On 15 March 2007 the new name Harmony was announced.

Node 2, or Harmony, was launched in October 2007 on board Space Shuttle flight STS-120 (ISS Assembly Flight 10A).
 
 
Node 2 specifications
Dimensions 
Length6706 mm
Diameter4480 mm
Pressurized volume70 m3
Mass budget 
Launch mass14 500 kg
On orbit payload mass15 300 kg
 
 
  
Last update: 16 January 2009