# Multi-Purpose Logistics Module

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Large pressurized container for cargo resupply of the International Space Station

The [*Leonardo*](/source/Leonardo_MPLM) Multi-Purpose Logistics Module rests in  [*Discovery*](/source/Space_Shuttle_Discovery)'s payload bay in this view taken from the [ISS](/source/International_Space_Station) by a crew member using a digital still camera during [STS-102](/source/STS-102).

The [*Raffaello*](/source/Raffaello_MPLM) Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, when [berthed](/source/Docking_and_berthing_of_spacecraft#Berthing_spacecraft_and_modules) to the ISS during [STS-114](/source/STS-114)

The **Multi-Purpose Logistics Module** (**MPLM**) was a large pressurized container that was used on [Space Shuttle](/source/Space_Shuttle) missions to transfer cargo to and from the [International Space Station](/source/International_Space_Station) (ISS). Two MPLMs made a dozen trips in the Shuttle cargo bay, initially berthed to the *[Unity](/source/Unity_(ISS_module))* and later the *[Harmony](/source/Harmony_(ISS_module))* module on the ISS. Once docked, supplies were offloaded, and finished experiments and waste were reloaded. The MPLM was then transferred back into the Shuttle’s cargo bay for return to Earth. Three modules were built by [Alenia Aeronautica](/source/Alenia_Aeronautica) for the [Italian Space Agency](/source/Italian_Space_Agency) (ASI). They were named *[Leonardo](/source/Leonardo_(ISS_module))*, [*Raffaello*](/source/Raffaello_MPLM), and *Donatello*.[1]

The *Leonardo* module was modified in 2010 to turn it into the [Permanent Multipurpose Module](/source/Leonardo_(ISS_module)) (PMM) and was permanently attached to the ISS during the [STS-133](/source/STS-133) mission in March 2011. In July 2011, the *Raffaello* module was the primary payload on the final Space Shuttle mission. It returned with the Shuttle and was stored at the Kennedy Space Center. The *Donatello* module never launched. MPLMs were flown on [12](#Completed_missions) of the [37](/source/List_of_human_spaceflights_to_the_International_Space_Station) Space Shuttle missions to the ISS.

The basic design of the MPLM was later used as the basis for two cargo spacecraft, the European [Automated Transfer Vehicle](/source/Automated_Transfer_Vehicle) and the American [Cygnus](/source/Cygnus_(spacecraft)).

## History

The modules were provided to [NASA](/source/NASA) under contract by the Italian Space Agency (ASI). Three MPLMs were built and delivered to NASA and were named the ASI to honor some of the great talents in Italian history: [Leonardo da Vinci](/source/Leonardo_da_Vinci), [Raffaello](/source/Raphael) and [Donatello](/source/Donatello). Although built by ASI, the modules are owned by NASA. In exchange for building the MPLMs, ASI receives access to U.S. research time on the ISS.[1]

The MPLMs have a heritage that goes back to [Spacelab](/source/Spacelab).[2] In addition, ESA's *[Columbus](/source/Columbus_(ISS_module))* module, the *Harmony* and *[Tranquility](/source/Tranquility_(ISS_module))* ISS modules and the [ATV](/source/Automated_Transfer_Vehicle) and [Cygnus](/source/Cygnus_spacecraft) resupply craft all trace their origins to the MPLMs.[2] The MPLM concept was originally created for [Space Station Freedom](/source/Space_Station_Freedom). Initially, they were to be built by [Boeing](/source/Boeing), but in 1992, the Italians announced that they would build a "Mini-Pressurized Logistics Module", able to carry 4,500 kilograms (4.5 t) of cargo. After the 1993 redesign of Freedom, the length was doubled and it was renamed the "Multi-Purpose Logistics Module". Each empty MPLM is approximately 21 feet (6.4 m) long, 15 feet (4.6 m) in diameter, weighs 4,400 kilograms (9,700 lb), and can deliver up to nine metric tons of cargo to the ISS.[1]

*Donatello* was a more capable module than its two siblings, as it was designed to carry payloads that required continuous power from construction through to installation on the ISS. However, *Donatello* was never used and some of its parts were cannibalized to convert *Leonardo* into the PMM.[3]

By the end of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, the *Raffaello* and *Leonardo* modules were flown a combined total of 12 times.

## Design

The MPLM was a large cylinder equipped with a [common berthing mechanism](/source/Common_berthing_mechanism) at one end, and [grapple fixtures](/source/Grapple_fixture) to allow the [Canadarm-2](/source/Canadarm-2) to move it from the shuttle bay to a berthing port on the US Orbital Segment of the ISS.

### Power during launch

Remotely Operated Electrical Umbilical diagram

In order to provide power to equipment and experiments inside the MPLM during launch, the MPLM could be connected to the Shuttle's power supply by means of the [Remotely Operated Electrical Umbilical](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Remotely_Operated_Electrical_Umbilical&action=edit&redlink=1) (ROEU). The umbilical was mounted on the starboard side payload bay sidewall longeron, and was a folding arm umbilical that connected to the MPLM while it was in the payload bay. The arm was disconnected and retracted prior to the MPLM being removed for placement on the ISS and then reconnected once the MPLM was placed back inside the payload bay.

## Program logo

MPLM logo

Since the module names are also the names of three of the four [Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles](/source/Teenage_Mutant_Ninja_Turtles), the NASA MPLM Group approached [Mirage Studios](/source/Mirage_Studios) artist A.C. Farley to design a logo featuring Raphael in an astronaut flight suit.[4] There were cloisonné pins produced, as well as stickers and embroidered patches. Because the Ninja Turtles were created by Mirage Studios and owned by them at the time (now owned by [Paramount Skydance](/source/Paramount_Skydance), formerly ViacomCBS, via [Nickelodeon](/source/Nickelodeon)), NASA gave Mirage the copyright to the logo in exchange for the use of the studio's character on it.[4]

## Missions

Cosmonaut [Yuri Gidzenko](/source/Yuri_Gidzenko) in *Leonardo* in 2001

Flight Launch date Mission Shuttle MPLM Mass up (kg)[citation needed] Mass down (kg)[citation needed] 1 8 March 2001 STS-102 ISS 5A.1 Discovery Leonardo 10,213 6,540 2 19 April 2001 STS-100 ISS 6A Endeavour Raffaello 8,811 6,763 3 10 August 2001 STS-105 ISS 7A.1 Discovery Leonardo 9,467 7,799 4 5 December 2001 STS-108 ISS UF-1 Endeavour Raffaello 9,228 8,693 5 5 June 2002 STS-111 ISS UF-2 Endeavour Leonardo 10,753 9,140 6 26 July 2005 STS-114 ISS LF 1 Discovery Raffaello 8,301 9,110 7 4 July 2006 STS-121 ISS ULF 1.1 Discovery Leonardo 9,588 8,124 8 14 November 2008 STS-126 ISS ULF 2 Endeavour Leonardo 12,748 6,966 9 28 August 2009 STS-128 ISS 17A Discovery Leonardo[5] 12,601 8,927 10 5 April 2010 STS-131 ISS 19A Discovery Leonardo 12,371 9,242 11 24 February 2011 STS-133 ISS ULF 5 Discovery Leonardo PMM Part of ISS 12 8 July 2011 STS-135 ISS ULF 7[4] Atlantis Raffaello 9,500 5,660

## Specifications

The following are the specifications of the MPLM:

- **Length** – 6.6 m (cylindrical part 4.8 m)[6]

- **Width** – 4.57 m[6]

- **Mass** – 4,082 kg empty; 13,154 kg fully loaded[6]

- **Habitable volume** – 31 m3[6]

- **Material** – [stainless steel](/source/Stainless_steel)[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

## Future use

The *Donatello MPLM* has been converted by Lockheed Martin into a Habitat Ground Test Article (HGTA) Lunar habitat prototype[7] which is located at NASA KSC. *[Leonardo](/source/Leonardo_MPLM)* is permanently attached to the ISS as PMM and should reenter in the atmosphere with it. *[Raffaello](/source/Raffaello_MPLM)* is located at an [Axiom Space](/source/Axiom_Space) facility near Houston, in preparation to undergo work to become an element for the Axiom Commercial Space Station.[8][9]

## See also

- [Automated Transfer Vehicle](/source/Automated_Transfer_Vehicle)

- [List of Space Shuttle missions](/source/List_of_Space_Shuttle_missions)

- [International Space Station](/source/International_Space_Station)

## References

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-nasamplm_1-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-nasamplm_1-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-nasamplm_1-2) ["Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules"](https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/station/structure/elements/mplm.html). [NASA](/source/NASA). 2007.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-heritage_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-heritage_2-1) ["A new European science laboratory in Earth orbit"](http://esamultimedia.esa.int/docs/columbus/newspaper/ESA_ColumbusLab_newspaper_ENG.pdf) (PDF). *ESAMultimedia.ESA.int*. [European Space Agency](/source/European_Space_Agency).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** ["Spaceflight Now - STS-133 Shuttle Report - Roomy addition for space station ready to launch"](http://www.spaceflightnow.com/shuttle/sts133/101007payloads/). *SpaceFlightNow.com*.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-mplm-site_4-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-mplm-site_4-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-mplm-site_4-2) ["Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Office"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090321025112/http://mplm.msfc.nasa.gov/). [NASA MSFC](/source/Marshall_Space_Flight_Center). Archived from [the original](https://mplm.msfc.nasa.gov/) on March 21, 2009. Retrieved February 22, 2009.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** Gebhardt, Chris (2008-08-25). ["STS-128 – Atlantis' 2009 mission baselined by PRCB"](http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2008/08/sts-128-atlantis-2009-mission-baselined-by-prcb/). *[NASAspaceflight.com](/source/NASAspaceflight.com)*. Retrieved 2020-11-25.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-NASA-wiMPLM_6-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-NASA-wiMPLM_6-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-NASA-wiMPLM_6-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-NASA-wiMPLM_6-3) NASA. ["What is MPLM?"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100527091057/http://mplm.msfc.nasa.gov/mission.html). Archived from [the original](https://mplm.msfc.nasa.gov/mission.html) on 27 May 2010. Retrieved 11 June 2011.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Returning Astronauts to the Moon: Lockheed Martin Finalizes Full-Scale Cislunar Habitat Prototype](https://news.lockheedmartin.com/2019-03-14-Returning-Astronauts-to-the-Moon-Lockheed-Martin-Finalizes-Full-Scale-Cislunar-Habitat-Prototype)

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** Leinfelder, Andrea (2023-04-27). ["NASA's Super Guppy delivers space shuttle module for reuse on Axiom Space's commercial station"](https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/space/article/nasa-super-guppy-houston-commercial-space-station-17920584.php). *The Houston Chronicle*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** ["NASA Image and Video Library"](https://images.nasa.gov/details/KSC-20230420-PH-JBS01_0094). *NASA Image and Video Library*. Retrieved 2023-08-03.

v t e Space Shuttle program Space Shuttle List of missions List of crews Components Orbiter Solid Rocket Booster External tank Main engine Orbital Maneuvering System Reaction control system Thermal protection system Booster separation motor Orbiters Enterprise Columbia Challenger Discovery Atlantis Endeavour Add-ons Spacelab (ESA) Canadarm (CSA) Extended Duration Orbiter Remote Controlled Orbiter Spacehab Multi-Purpose Logistics Module Sites Launch Complex 39 A B Space Launch Complex 6 Landing sites Shuttle Landing Facility Abort landing sites Operations and training Missions (canceled) Crews Mission timeline Mission Control Center Rollbacks Abort modes Rendezvous pitch maneuver Shuttle Mission Simulator Shuttle Training Aircraft Testing Inspiration (design) Pathfinder (simulator) MPTA (engine test article) Approach and Landing Tests Disasters Challenger disaster (report) Columbia disaster (report) Support Crawler-transporter Mate-Demate Device Mobile Launcher Platform NASA recovery ship Orbiter Processing Facility Shuttle Avionics Integration Laboratory (SAIL) Shuttle Carrier Aircraft flights Shuttle Training Aircraft STS-3xx Special Deutschland-1 Getaway Special Journalist in Space Project Teacher in Space Project Shuttle-Mir Hitchhiker Space suits Extravehicular Mobility Unit Shuttle Ejection Escape Suit Launch Entry Suit Advanced Crew Escape Suit Experiments Freestar experiments Inflatable Antenna Experiment Spartan Packet Radio Experiment Shuttle pallet satellite Wake Shield Facility Derivatives Saturn-Shuttle Magnum Shuttle-Derived Heavy Lift Launch Vehicle Jupiter Shuttle-C Shuttle-Centaur Ares I IV V Liberty Space Launch System OmegA Replicas Independence Related Space Shuttle design process studied designs Inertial Upper Stage Payload Assist Module International Space Station Criticism Retirement Conroy Virtus Hail Columbia (1982 documentary) The Dream Is Alive (1985 documentary) Challenger (1990 film) Destiny in Space (1994 documentary) Columbia: The Tragic Loss (2004 documentary) Hubble (2010 documentary) The Challenger Disaster (2013 film) Challenger: The Final Flight (2020 documentary miniseries) Space Shuttle America Rendezvous: A Space Shuttle Simulation Space Shuttle Project Shuttle Space Shuttle: A Journey into Space Space Shuttle Mission 2007 Orbiter Space Flight Simulator When We Left Earth: The NASA Missions

v t e Components of the International Space Station Orbiting Russian Segment Nauka Poisk Prichal Rassvet Zarya Zvezda US Segment BEAM Columbus Cupola Destiny Harmony Kibō Leonardo Quest airlock Tranquility Unity Subsystems Bishop airlock Electrical System European Robotic Arm External Stowage Platforms ExPRESS Logistics Carriers International Docking Adapters Integrated Truss Structure Life Support System Mobile Servicing System Canadarm2 Dextre Boom Assembly Pressurized Mating Adapters Strela cranes Window Observational Research Facility Experimental devices AMS-02 CALET CATS GEDI HDEV ISS-CREAM MAXI NICER PK-3 Plus SAGE III Former Major components Pirs Future Planned Axiom PPTM US Deorbit Vehicle Spare hardware Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules Interim Control Module Node 4 Cancelled Propulsion Module Centrifuge Accommodations Module Habitation Module Crew Return Vehicle Science Power Platform Universal Docking Module Russian Research Module Science Power Module XBASE Related Manufacturing of the ISS Assembly of the ISS Category

v t e European human spaceflight General European Astronaut Corps ISS contribution ELIPS Terrae Novae Facilities European Astronaut Centre Columbus Control Centre German Space Operations Center Concordia Station Earth-based activities AMASE Concordia winterovers Euro-MARS European Space Camp MARS-500 MELiSSA NEEMO CAVES PANGAEA Companies Airbus Defence and Space Spartan Space Thales Alenia Space The Exploration Company Crewed spacecraft Active Soyuz-MS Dragon 2 Orion ESM Planned & proposed Gaganyaan Nyx Lince SUSIE Retired Soyuz-TM Soyuz-TMA Soyuz TMA-M Space Shuttle Spacelab EURECA MPLM Cancelled CSTS Kliper Hermes Skylon Space stations Active ISS Columbus Columbus EPF Cupola Bartolomeo ERA Planned & proposed Haven-1 Starlab Bharatiya Antariksh Station Retired Mir Euromir Cancelled Columbus MTFF Lunar Gateway ESPRIT Lunar I-Hab Cargo spacecraft Planned & proposed LEO Cargo Return Service Nyx Argonaut (lunar) Retired ATV Missions Space Shuttle STS-9 (1983) Deutschland-1 (1985) STS-42 (1992) STS-46 (1992) Deutschland-2 (1993) STS-61 (1993) STS-66 (1994) STS-75 (1996) STS-95 (1998) STS-103 (1999) STS-99 (2000) Mir Euromir 94 (1994) Euromir 95 (1995) STS-84 (1997) ISS (visit & assembly) STS-100 (2001) Andromède (2001) Marco Polo (2002) STS-111 (2002) Odissea (2002) Cervantes (2003) DELTA (2004) Eneide (2005) Celsius (2006) Esperia (2007) STS-122 (2008) Alissé (2009) DAMA (2011) IrISS (2015) ISS (expedition) Astrolab (2006) OasISS (2009) MagISStra (2010) PromISSe (2011) Volare (2013) Blue Dot (2014) Futura (2014) Principia (2015) Proxima (2016) Vita (2017) Horizons (2018) Beyond (2019) Alpha (2021) Cosmic Kiss (2021) Minerva (2022) Huginn (2023) Epsilon (2026) ISS (private) Muninn (2024) Ignis (2025) PAM-6 (2027) Private space stations Vast-1 (2027) Artemis program Artemis III (2027) European Space Agency

v t e ← 2007 Orbital launches in 2008 2009 → January Thuraya 3 TecSAR Ekspress AM-33 February Progress M-63 STS-122 (Columbus) Thor 5 Kizuna March Jules Verne ATV STS-123 (Kibō ELM-PS, Dextre, Spacelab MD002) USA-200 AMC-14 USA-201 DirecTV-11 SAR-Lupe 4 April Soyuz TMA-12 ICO G1 C/NOFS Vinasat-1, Star One C2 Tianlian I-01 GIOVE-B Cartosat-2A, Rubin-8, AAUSat-2, CanX-2, CanX-6, Compass-1, CUTE-1.7 + APD II, Delfi-C3, SEEDS-2 Amos-3 May Progress M-64 Galaxy 18 Kosmos 2437, Kosmos 2438, Kosmos 2439, Yubileiny Fengyun 3A STS-124 (Kibō PM) June ChinaSat 9 Fermi Skynet 5C, Türksat 3A Orbcomm FM29, Orbcomm FM37, Orbcomm FM38, Orbcomm FM39, Orbcomm FM40, Orbcomm FM41 OSTM/Jason-2 Kosmos 2440 July Badr-6, ProtoStar 1 EchoStar XI SAR-Lupe 5 Kosmos 2441 August Trailblazer, NanoSail-D, PRESat, Explorers Superbird-C2, AMC-21 Omid Inmarsat-4 F3 Tachys, Mati, Choma, Choros, Trochia September Huan Jing 1A, Huan Jing 1B GeoEye-1 Progress M-65 Nimiq-4 Galaxy 19 Kosmos 2442, Kosmos 2243, Kosmos 2444 Shenzhou 7 (Banxing-1) Ratsat October THEOS Soyuz TMA-13 IBEX Chandrayaan-1 (MIP) Shijian 6E, Shijian 6F COSMO-3 Venesat-1 November Chuang Xin 1B, Shiyan Weixing 3 Astra 1M Kosmos 2445 STS-126 (Leonardo MPLM, PSSC-1) Progress M-01M December Yaogan 4 Kosmos 2446 Yaogan 5 Hot Bird 9, Eutelsat W2M Fengyun 2E Kosmos 2447, Kosmos 2448, Kosmos 2449 Launches are separated by dots ( • ), payloads by commas ( , ), multiple names for the same satellite by slashes ( / ). Crewed flights are underlined. Launch failures are marked with the † sign. Payloads deployed from other spacecraft are (enclosed in parentheses).

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Multi-Purpose Logistics Module](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Purpose_Logistics_Module) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Multi-Purpose_Logistics_Module?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.