The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM) Qualification Module
As a logistics module capable of transporting and returning complete scientific payload racks to and from the Space Station, the MPLMs are a key element in International Space Station resupply. Each module is a cylinder 6.5 m long and 4.5 m in diameter, with conical endcaps that house docking mechanisms and hatches. The MPLM is carried to Space Station in the Space Shuttle cargo bay.
Three MPLMs have been constructed, they are named Raffaello, Leonardo and Donatello. The modules have been developed through an agreement between NASA and the Italian Space Agency, Agenzia Spaziale Italiana (ASI).