Atlantis Launches Destiny Lab to Space Station

The space shuttle Atlantis successfully launched with the Destiny Space Station Laboratory module from Kennedy Space Center, pad 39A, at 2313 UTC (3:13 p.m. PST) on February 7. The shuttle is carrying a crew of 5 astronauts for an anticipated 11-day mission. Space shuttle Atlantis astronauts are Kenneth Cockrell, Commander, Mark Polansky, Pilot, and Mission Specialists Robert Curbeam, Marsha Ivins, and Thomas Jones. Because of shuttle weight limitations, Destiny was launched with just five of its two dozen racks in place, all of them devoted to support equipment.

The US$1.38 billion Destiny laboratory module will enable the International Space Station with the capability to conduct research 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This research is expected to lay the foundation for a multitude of commercial enterprises in the future.

The 14,520 kg (32,000 lbm) Boeing built laboratory module is 8.5 m (28 ft) long and 4.3 m (14 ft) in diameter, approximately 106 cubic meters (3,750 cubic feet) in volume. The pressurized lab consists of three cylindrical sections and two end cones that will be mated to other station components. Each end-cone contains a hatch opening through which the astronauts can enter and exit the lab. A 50.9 cm (20 in) diameter window is located on one side of the center module segment. The Earth-facing window is made with optically pure, telescope-quality glass and is located in an open rack bay. 

The interior of the laboratory module is rectangular and divided into four zones called "rack faces." Each rack face can accommodate six racks of science gear or systems equipment, for a total of 24 racks. 13 are removable scientific racks dedicated to various science experiments and 11 racks provide power, cooling water, temperature, and humidity control as well as air revitalization to remove carbon dioxide and replenish oxygen. Each rack pivots at its base to rotate outward for access to the interior. The racks can be removed and replaced as required to support new experiments or maintenance. Each rack is 1854 cm (73 in) tall and 1066 cm (42 in) wide. Made with a graphite composite shell, each rack weighs around 545 kg (1,200 lbm). Eight rack bays are equipped with flexible curtains to provide 288 cubic feet of temporary stowage space.

The module is constructed of aluminum, the exterior uses a "waffle" pattern that strengthens the hull. The module is covered with an insulation blanket to protect the lab from the temperatures extremes of space. An intermediate debris shield, made of material similar to that of bulletproof vests, protects the module against space debris and micrometeoroids. An aluminum debris shield is placed over the intermediate debris shield for added protection and to reflect the intense sunlight to reduce the load on the air conditioning system. Inside, four "stand-off" structures provide space for power lines, data management systems, vacuum systems, air conditioning ducts, water lines, etc., all supporting the space station's racks.

In addition to ferrying the laboratory module to orbit, this mission carries equipment to enhance communications. A high data rate S-band system will be installed and activated. It will use the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System, increasing communication coverage to 60-70% of the time, versus only 20% of UHF communication capability currently. 

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