Sir Frederick wrote:

On Sun, 10 Dec 2006 21:59:21 -0600, "Jorge R. Frank" wrote:

Sir Frederick wrote in
m:

What's the difference in structure, function and use
between the Spacehab and the MPLM?

The Spacehab is designed to stay in the shuttle payload bay, has extensive
power capabilities to run internal payloads, and has a small tunnel leading
to the ODS.

The MPLM is designed to be berthed to ISS, has more limited capability to
power internal payloads, and has a large square hatch leading to ISS.

Thanks. So why the Spacehab this flight, when the MPLM
in the past?

Jorge as a bit unclear on the differences - MPLM's large squarge hatch
allows rack sized components to be moved into the ISS, while
Spacehab's narrow hatch limits cargo to (IIRC) about the size of your
average PC. MPLM must be removed from the Shuttle's cargo bay and
berthed to the ISS directly, while you have acess from Spacehab as
soon as the Shuttle/ISS hatch is open. (MPLM is also, IIRC, larger
and heavier than Spacehab.)

D.
--
Touch-twice life. Eat. Drink. Laugh.

-Resolved: To be more temperate in my postings.
Oct 5th, 2004 JDL