ESA title
The Node-2 connecting module
Science & Exploration

Node 2: Connecting Module

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ESA / Science & Exploration / Human and Robotic Exploration / International Space Station

Node 2 is a pressurised module which serves 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 discontinued Space Shuttle and the Japanese HII transfer vehicle, while it also served as an attachment point for the Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules. Node 2 is 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 Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules 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 Space Shuttle flight STS-120 (ISS Assembly Flight 10A).

Node 2 specifications
Dimensions
Length 6706 mm
Diameter 4480 mm
Pressurised volume 70 m3
Mass budget
Launch mass 14 500 kg
On orbit payload mass 15 300 kg

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