Raffaello MPLM

Raffaello
Raffaello being prepared for flight on STS-100
OperatorNASA
WebsiteNASA MPLM
Mission duration~2 weeks
Spacecraft properties
SpacecraftRaffaello
Spacecraft typeMPLM
ManufacturerASI
Dry mass4,082 kilograms (8,999 lb)[1]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemGeocentric
RegimeLow Earth
Inclination51.7°
Berthing
 

The Raffaello MPLM, also known as MPLM-2, was one of three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules which were operated by NASA to transfer supplies and equipment to and from the International Space Station. Raffaello was used for four of twelve MPLM flights to the space station, with Leonardo being used for the remainder. It was first launched on 19 April 2001, aboard the STS-100 mission flown by Space Shuttle Endeavour, and made its third flight in July 2005, aboard Discovery on STS-114. Raffaello's final flight was aboard Space Shuttle Atlantis on the STS-135 mission, the last flight of the Space Shuttle.

In April 2023, Raffaello was transferred to Axiom Space to be repurposed and flown as part of the Axiom Orbital Segment.[2]

Construction

Like the other Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules, Raffaello was constructed by the Italian Space Agency, who chose to name it after the painter and architect Raffaello Sanzio.[1] The module was constructed in the late 1990s, and delivered to NASA at the Kennedy Space Center in August 1999.[3]

Flights

The STS-135 crew inspects Raffaello.
Mission Orbiter Launch (UTC)[4] Landing (UTC)
STS-100 Endeavour 19 April 2001 1 May 2001
STS-108 Endeavour 5 December 2001 17 December 2001
STS-114 Discovery 26 July 2005 9 August 2005
STS-135 Atlantis 8 July 2011 21 July 2011

See also

References

  1. ^ a b "What is MPLM?". NASA Marshall Space Flight Center. Archived from the original on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  2. ^ Leinfelder, Andrea (2023-04-27). "NASA's Super Guppy delivers space shuttle module for reuse on Axiom Space's commercial station". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2023-04-27.
  3. ^ "Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules". International Space Station. NASA. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
  4. ^ McDowell, Jonathan. "Launch Log". Jonathan's Space Page. Retrieved 17 May 2010.
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