The MPLM and the Demise of the shuttle.

hat will be used to replace the MPLM, can the OSP or US ATV berth to the
CBM of the ISS like the MPLM or will all cargo move through the PMA?

If they are retired when the shuttle retired what to do with them?
leave them at the ISS or scrap them?

"marvin" wrote in message
...
hat will be used to replace the MPLM, can the OSP or US ATV berth to the
CBM of the ISS like the MPLM or will all cargo move through the PMA?

The ATV is European, not American.

The MPLM has two important features: the ability to launch standard ISS
racks (an ability shared only with the Japanese HTV), and the unique ability
to return racks intact to Earth. While the Japanese HTV may be a sufficient
replacement for the former, not having the latter would be a big loss, and
it would be highly desirable to have a replacement that can return large
hardware intact. A shielded HTV may be a possibility.

If they are retired when the shuttle retired what to do with them?
leave them at the ISS or scrap them?

The MPLMs aren't designed for long stays in space. They would be retired on
the ground, most likely to museums.

--Chris