Boeing team installs final Return to Flight payload

[Chris Bergin]

The Boeing Checkout, Assembly and Payload Processing Services (CAPPS)
team installed Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM), Raffaello, into
the Payload Transportation Canister Monday at the Space Station
Processing Facility (SSPF) at Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

The MPLM, along with the External Stowage Platform-2 and the Lightweight
Multi-Purpose Experiment Support Structure Carrier, is scheduled to
transfer to the pad early next week in preparation for launch on Space
Shuttle Discovery's Return to Flight mission. The launch window is open
from May 22 to June 3.

The MPLM will contain food, clothing, spare parts and the Human Research
Facility (HRF-2) that will deliver additional biomedical instrumentation
and research capability to the International Space Station.

Scientific data generated by the HRF will provide insight into the
adaptation of crew members during long-duration spaceflight and aid in
the development of countermeasures to ensure crew health and performance
for future exploration and return to Earth.

Boeing has processed every major payload that has flown on all shuttle
flights, including scientific and ISS missions.