External Stowage Platform
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 (see below) 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.
Read more about External Stowage Platform: ESP-1, ESP-2, ESP-3
Famous quotes containing the words external and/or platform:
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—Franz Grillparzer (1791–1872)
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—Administration in the State of Arka, U.S. public relief program. Arkansas: A Guide to the State (The WPA Guide to Arkansas)