THE MINI PRESSURIZED LOGISTICS MODULE - A CANDIDATE ELEMENT FOR ITALIAN PARTICIPATION IN THE SPACE STATION FREEDOM LOGISTICS SCENARIO

The current Space Station Freedom (SSF) Logistics System for the man t ended capability (MTC) phase includes a mini pressurized logistics mod ule (MPLM) for transporting cargo used inside the SSF pressurized volu me, and unpressurized logistics elements (ULE) for transporting cargo and fluids used externally to the pressurized volume. The MPLM is size d to allow full loading of the MPLM when manifested with ULE on the sa me logistics resupply/return flight. This results in maximizing the ca rgo delivered on the resupply/return flight by more efficient use of t he total NSTS lift capability enhancing the overall efficiency of the SSF logistics elements. The baseline MPLM configuration provides locat ion for eight perimeter cargo racks including one subsystem, two activ e and five passive racks. On a typical resupply/return mission, the MP LM will be transported to orbit, transferred from the Orbiter to SSF a nd berthed. Two MPLMs will be needed for the MTC phase. The use of the MPLM is also envisaged during PMC (permanent manned capability) when it will provide greater flexibility to optimize the manifesting of ret urn/resupply mission. The MPLM will remain on station for the duration of the NSTS visit and during that period the resupply/return cargo wi ll be distributed/gathered to/from the pressurized modules in a series of planned incremental operations. The MPLM will be returned to groun d by Orbiter, then unloaded, refurbished and prepared for its next use . Recently NASA and ASI reached an agreement to investigate a prelimin ary design solution of the MPLM to satisfy the set of requirements gen erated by NASA, in view of potential cooperation on the subject. This activity was performed by Alenia Spazio to support ASI in the engineer ing analysis of the MPLM, the results achieved have been presented and discussed with NASA. The activity performed by Alenia Spazio, under t he direction of ASI, for the MPLM is to be considered as part of the p ossible Italian participation in the Space Station Freedom Program.