ISS Node 2 external view

External configuration of the International Space Station's Node 2. In part return for NASA launching Europe's Columbus Orbital Facility (COF) station laboratory module, ESA is funding the construction of Nodes 2 and 3 by Italy; Alenia Aerospazio is prime contractor. The 14 t Node 2 will be launched aboard the US Shuttle to act as a pressurised connector between several station modules, including COF. [Image Date: 1997] [98.07.002-005]