External Tank Laboratory
 | ||
| The External Tank Laboratory as seen from Space Shuttle Liberty on 30 July 2010 during STS-14W. | ||
| Station statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| NSSDC ID: | 2010-099A | |
| Call sign: | Echo | |
| Crew: | 6 | |
| Launch: | 2010-2011 | |
| Launch pad: | MPLC LC-1, KSC LC-39 | |
| Perigee: | 336 km altitude (220 nmi) | |
| Apogee: | 346 km altitude (230 nmi) | |
| Orbit inclination: | 51.64 degrees | |
| Average speed: | 7,706.6 m/s (27,743.8 km/h, 17,239.2 mph) | |
| Orbital period: | c. 93 minutes | |
| Days in orbit: | 5688 (5 December) | |
| Days occupied: | 5688 (5 December) | |
| Number of orbits: | c. (5 December) | |
| Orbital decay: | 2 km/month | |
| Statistics as of 27 November 2010 (unless noted otherwise) | ||
| Configuration | ||
 | ||
The External Tank Laboratory (ETL) is a research facility that is being assembled in low Earth orbit by the International Space Agency. On-orbit construction of the station began in 2010 and is scheduled for completion by late 2011. The station is expected to remain in operation until at least 2025, and likely 2030. With a greater cross-sectional area than that of any previous space station, the ETL can be seen from Earth with the naked eye, and is by far the largest artificial satellite that has ever orbited Earth. The ETL serves as a research laboratory that has a microgravity environment in which crews conduct experiments in biology, chemistry, medicine, physiology and physics, as well as astronomical and meteorological observations. The station provides a unique environment for the testing of the spacecraft systems that will be required for future missions to the Moon and outer Solar System.
Contents
Purpose
Scientific research
Origins
Station structure
Assembly
Pressurized modules
| Module | Assembly mission | Launch date | Launch system | Nation | Isolated View |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| External Tank Laboratory (ETL-ACC) |
ECF1 | 10 May 2010 | Space Shuttle Liberty, STS-12W | USA | 
|
| The initial component of the station, the ET used to launch STS-20W was converted into a wet workshop. The initial launch carried the ET itself, an Aft Cargo Carrier containing outfitting equipment, temporary solar panels and radiators for the station, and stabilization thrusters. The ET's hydrogen tank serves as the crew's main living quarters, and contains the life support equipment and experiment space. The oxygen tank used as storage space. | |||||
| Clarity (Node 1) |
10A | 26 August 26 | Space Shuttle Liberty, STS-17W | USA | 
|
| The second of the station's node modules, Harmony is the utility hub of the ISS. The module contains four racks that provide electrical power, bus electronic data, and acts as a central connecting point for several other components via its six Common Berthing Mechanisms (CBMs). The European Columbus and Japanese Kibō laboratories are permanently berthed to the module, and American Space Shuttle Orbiters dock with the ISS via PMA-2, attached to Harmony's forward port. In addition, the module serves as a berthing port for the Italian Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules during shuttle logistics flights. | |||||
| Cupola | 20A | 8 February 2010 | Space Shuttle Endeavour, STS-130 | Europe (Builder) USA (Operator) |
|
| The Cupola is an observatory module that provides ISS crew members with a direct view of robotic operations and docked spacecraft, as well as an observation point for watching the Earth. The module comes equipped with robotic workstations for operating the SSRMS and shutters to protect its windows from damage caused by micrometeorites. | |||||
