THE COLUMBUS APM-CENTER - AN INTEGRATED GROUND FACILITY TO PROVIDE ENHANCED USER SUPPORT

A description of the current APMC definition status, technical functio ns, operations and architecture concepts is first given. The APMC P/L Integration Support Function is next focused on. The related operation s and external interface concepts (e.g. maximized exploitation of the collocated Engineering Support Function resources) are described as we ll as the benefits induced on the user programs. The last part of this paper outlines the additional local ASI infrastructure planned to pro vide remote engineering support to NASA Space Station Program for the ASI-supplied Mini-Pressurized Logistics Modules (MPLM's). This add-on portion of the facility is now called MPLM Technical Support Center (M TSC).