The Raffaello MPLM, one of Italy's major contributions to the International Space Station program, is a reusable logistics carrier. These logistics modules are the primary delivery system used to resupply and return station cargo requiring a pressurized environment. The cylindrical module is approximately 21 feet long, 15 feet in diameter and weighs almost 4.5 tons excluding up to 20,000 pounds of contents.

Launched in the Space Shuttle's payload bay, it will contain supplies, science experiments, spare parts and components for the International Space Station.

Once on orbit, it will be removed from the payload bay and docked to the space station using the remote manipulator arm of either the Shuttle or the station.

During each MPLM mission, supplies and scientific experiments are exchanged for items to be returned to earth including completed experiments, equipment for repair, or trash and recyclables.

The Raffaello and Leonardo logistics modules are processed by NASA at KSC's Space Station Processing Facility (SSPF) with engineering support from the Italian Space Agency, Alenia Aerospazio and Boeing.

Among the activities for the payload test team to prepare the module for launch are integrated electrical tests with other station elements in the SSPF, leak tests, electrical and software compatibility tests with the Space Shuttle using the Cargo Integrated Test Equipment (CITE), and an Interface Verification Test (IVT) once the module is installed in the Space Shuttle's payload bay at the launch pad.

The most significant mechanical task to be performed on Raffaello in the SSPF is the installation and outfitting of the racks for carrying the various experiments and cargo.

Raffaello provides interfaces for up to 16 racks, five of which also furnish power, data and fluid support to a refrigerator freezer. The racks will be installed into the module using an efficient piece of robotic equipment called the "Rack Insertion Device (RID)."

The RID was developed by Kennedy Space Center engineers for fast and easy installation and removal of the racks for rapid turnaround of the logistics module between missions.

Italy is playing an important role in the development and utilisation of the ISS, building, with Alenia Aerospazio as prime contractor, over 50% of the pressurised volume under a partnership between ASI and NASA for the three logistics modules and an ASI-NASA-ESA agreement for two nodes.

Last year ASI delivered the first of the three logistics modules, Leonardo, and expects to deliver the third and final module, Donatello, by the end of 2000.

The logistics modules will be used for the two-way transport of materials and supplies between Earth and the orbiting system. They will also become inhabitable when they are docked to the assembled Station.

Moreover, the Agency is supplying Nodes 2 and 3, interconnecting elements between the various pressurised Station modules that will also be used as docking points for the vehicles that will periodically visit the Station.

The first of the three MPLM's, "Leonardo," arrived at KSC on Aug. 3, 1998. "Donatello," the third module, is planned for arrival in 2001. Raffaello will be launched aboard Space Shuttle Endeavour on mission STS-100 currently planned for July, 2000.

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