Spacehab / Astrium to Offer New Versions of Shuttle Integrated Cargo Carrier

Spacehab and Astrium will expand the Integrated Cargo Carrier (ICC) program to offer new versions of the unpressurized payload carrier, which is designed to fly in the cargo bay of the Space Shuttle. New variations of ICC services will include deployable and vertical cargo carriers. Future enhancements may also include an EXPRESS carrier, a propulsion pallet and a cryogenic carrier. The partners will continue to provide the basic ICC, which has already flown on three Shuttle missions to resupply of the International Space Station (ISS). The fourth flight of the ICC to the ISS is scheduled for March 2001.

Astrium GmbH, Bremen, acquires equity in the ICC program through a sale-leaseback agreement worth $15.4 million in cash and services. Astrium, the ICC mission integration contractor, is the maker of the keel- yoke assembly that anchors the ICC in the Shuttle cargo bay.

The ICC is an externally mounted, unpressurized, aluminum flat-bed pallet, coupled with a keel-yoke assembly, that enhances the Space Shuttle's capability to store and transport cargo. With a carrying capacity of up to 2722 kg (6,000 lbm), the pallet can carry equipment and tools mounted on both top and bottom, offering easy deployment to the ISS by flight- suited astronauts.

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