The Italian Aerospace Information Web
by Aeromedia - corso Giambone 46/18 - 10135 Torino (Italy)
Donatello space module from Turin to Cape Canaveral
Third MPLM (Multipurpose Pressurized Logistics Module) built by Alenia Spazio for the International Space Station (ISS) programme was delivered to NASA, 31 January 2001.
Named Donatello, it left Turin/Caselle airport on bord a Belouga special transport aircraft. Donatello was built on behalf Italian Space Agency (ASI) which manages the Italian contribution to ISS.
Two other MPLMs, Leonardo e Raffaello, were shipped to Kennedy Space Center, in 1998 and 1989, to sustain intensive integration tests with other parts of ISS.
Next June, the small MPLM fleet will begin its activity, on board the Space Shuttles, starting June to ferry materials and supplies to the crew. At the moment ISS is manned by US commander Shepherd, and Krikalev and Gidzenco from Russia.
Italian contribution to the International Space Station will proceed with the manufacturing of the European laboratory Columbus and the payload module of ATV (Automated Transfer Vehicle) thet will be launched by Ariane 5.
In the picture: MPLM module is loaded on board Airbus Belouga at Turin Caselle airport.
