External stowage platform

ESP-3 framework

External stowage platforms (ESPs) are key components of the International Space Station (ISS). Each platform is an external pallet that can hold spare parts, also known as Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs), for the space station. As a platform it is not pressurized, but does require electricity to power the heaters of some of the stored equipment. ORUs are attached to the ESP via Flight Releasable Attachment Mechanisms (FRAMs), matching witness plates that mate the ORU to the platform. The structure of the ESP-2 and ESP-3 platform is based on the deployable version of the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) which was designed to fly inside the Space Shuttle's cargo bay and is owned and operated by Astrium North America, Inc.. ESP-1 is unique in shape and was transported to the International Space Station on the ICC's 4th flight (Shuttle Mission STS-102) as a cargo item. ESP-2 flew on mission STS-114 'Return to Flight' and ESP-3 on mission STS-118.

FRAM breakdown

Locations and components

Location of ESPs on the International Space Station

ESP-1

STS-102 ICC carrying ESP-1 on its underside
Multi-plane view of ESP-1

The first of the external stowage platforms, called ESP-1, was installed on the port side trunnion pin on the outer hull of the Destiny Laboratory Module on March 13, 2001 during the second EVA of the STS-102 Space Shuttle mission.[1] It is powered by the Unity Module and has two attach points to store ORUs.

ESP-1 was carried into orbit on the underside of an Integrated Cargo Carrier. It is smaller than the other ESPs and ELCs, with dimensions approximately 0.46 m wide by 2.4 m long, and is differently shaped.

ESP-1 holds the following ORUs:[2]

ESP-2

ESP-2 in launch configuration
ESP-2 updated FRAM ORUs

ESP-2 was installed with the assistance of Space Shuttle Discovery's robotic arm and two spacewalkers during the STS-114 mission.[5] It is much larger than ESP-1 with eight FRAM sites creating room for up to eight spare parts (ORUs). Like ESP-1, it is powered by the Unity Module. However, unlike ESP-1, ESP-2 is attached to the Quest Joint Airlock using a specialized ESP Attachment Device (ESPAD). ESP-2 and ESP-3 are deployable versions of the integrated cargo carrier and have the same dimensions, approximately 8.5 feet (2.6 m) long and 14 feet (4.3 m) wide. The ORUs on ESP-2 are:

Notes:

ESP-3

ESP-3 launch configuration
ESP-3 ORU locations ISS Exp 38

ESP-3 was installed on the P3 Truss at UCCAS-1 on August 14, 2007 during the Space Shuttle STS-118 mission. It has seven attachment sites for ISS spare parts and assemblies, called Orbital Replacement Units (ORUs). The platform also has handrails and attachment points for tethers and foot restraints that astronauts can use while working with the ORUs on the ESP-3. ESP-3, as with ESP-2 are deployable versions of the Integrated Cargo Carrier and have the same dimensions, approximately 8.5 feet long and 14 feet wide.

ESP-3 was the first major station element to be installed completely by robotics, using only the shuttle and station’s robotic arms, an external berthing camera system (BCS) and a Photovoltaic Radiator Grapple Fixture (PVRGF). Astronauts robotically installed the platform onto the station's P3 truss segment during the STS-118 mission’s seventh day.[13]

On January 12, 2010, the station's robotic arm was used again to move ESP-3 from the P3 truss segment UCCAS-1 site. It was grappled by the arm and then transferred down the station's backbone on the mobile transporter. ESP-3 was then attached to its new location on the lower part of S3 truss segment at the PAS-3 site. Moving the storage platform cleared the way for ExPRESS Logistics Carrier-3 to be installed during STS-134.

The ORUs installed on ESP-3 are:

Notes:

FRAM 2 originally hosted NTA tank (SN0005) that was launched on ESP-3,[11] it was swapped for the depleted NTA (SN0002) from the S1 truss during STS-124.[16] That failed unit was later returned on STS-126 when the FHRC was placed here.[14]

FRAM-3 hosted Pump Module (PM) SN0006 that was added by the STS-127 crew.[15] The ISS Exp 38 crew swapped PM SN0006 with the failed PM SN0004 from the S1 Truss during 2 EVAs Dec. 21 and 24, 2013. Leaving PM SN0004 on the MBS ORU POA for later storage.

FRAM-4 hosted a CMG & frame and both were removed Aug. 13, 2007 during STS-118. Support frame was placed on ESP-2, CMG was installed in the Z1.[11] The failed CMG was placed on the CMG frame on ESP-2 FRAM-5 and later returned to earth by STS-124.

ISS truss components and ORUs in situ

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ "STS-102, Mission Control Center Status Report # 11 Tuesday, March 13, 2001 7:30 a.m. CST". Spaceflight.nasa.gov. 2001-03-13. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  2. ↑ "Minutes for May 29, 2001 EVA AIT" (Press release). NASA. May 29, 2001. Retrieved 2007-08-01.
  3. ↑ http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/STS-102/
  4. ↑ http://www.shuttlepresskit.com/STS-100/
  5. ↑ "NASA ISS Assembly". Nasa.gov. 2010-10-23. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  6. 1 2 3 "EVA Checklist: STS-123 Flight Supplement" (PDF).
  7. 1 2 3 4 "EVA Checklist: STS-114 Flight Supplement" (PDF).
  8. ↑ http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/193894main_EVA_120_F_A_1.pdf
  9. ↑ http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/119110main_sts121_eva_checklist_specific_eva_ref.pdf
  10. ↑ http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/492875main_EVA_133_F.pdf
  11. 1 2 3 4 5 "STS-118 Presskit" (PDF).
  12. ↑ http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/203840main_EVA_122_F_A.pdf
  13. ↑ "NASA's ISS assembly information". Spaceflight.nasa.gov. 2012-11-19. Retrieved 2013-03-27.
  14. 1 2 "EVA Checklist: STS-126 Flight Supplement" (PDF).
  15. 1 2 3 "EVA Checklist: STS-127 Flight Supplement" (PDF).
  16. ↑ http://www.nasa.gov/centers/johnson/pdf/229503main_EVA_124_F_1.pdf
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