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Vital link between Earth and orbit 
Derived from Spacelab, Europe's space laboratory which flew on 22 Shuttle missions between 1983 and 1988, the MPLM is the only logistics module capable of transporting and returning complete scientific payload racks to and from the Space Station, enabling the conduction of science activities. Each MPLM can hold up to 16 payload racks and carry a total of 20 000 pounds of cargo; five of the racks can be refrigerator/freezers. Once the module is released from the Shuttle's cargo bay and berthed to the Station, the astronauts can work inside, transferring scientific payloads and other supplies and materials freely between the MPLM and the Station's other research and living areas. The ESA-supplied Environmental Control and Life Support System (ECLS) is a key element of the MPLM - a sophisticated subsystem that provides comfortable working conditions for the astronauts.
Its main functions include the distribution of fresh air throughout the MPLM, temperature, monitoring, pressure control, fire detection and suppression, and support to contamination monitoring.
The modules have been developed through an agreement between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI). Prime contractor, Alenia Spazio, is also responsible for the development of ESA’s Columbus primary structure derived from the main MPLM structure. Astrium Dornier is working alongside ESA on the ECLS.
Guidoni's mission highlights website (Based on the ESA STS-100 Newspaper by ESA Publications)
Last update: 27 August 2001
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