STS-121 Payload

AXM Paper Space Scale Models

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STS-121 Payload (Discovery's "Return to Flight-1") / ULF-1.1

Space Shuttle Discovery STS-121 was launched on July 4, 2006 as the "Final Return to Flight" mission after STS-114. This was the second test flight after the Columbia Accident and a long awaited mission to resupply the ISS.

For this flight the ET was "re-designed" again by eliminating the PAL ramps. This decision was ultimately supported by extensive computer modeling and wind tunnel tests showing the pressurization lines, cable tray and support brackets were tough enough to stand up to worst case aerodynamic loads. Discovery's launch was the first actual flight test of the design change, the most significant aerodynamic modification to the tank since Shuttle flights began in 1981.

Discovery ferried German astronaut Thomas Reiter to the ISS to join Expedition 13 commander Pavel Vinogradov and Jeff Williams as a full-time crew member. Payloads: "Leonardo" Multipurpose Logistic Module, ICC carrying small cargos to the ISS and the aft-payload bay support structure.

This was the second time that an extension to the Robotic arm was carried on the Shuttle. It was the OBSS (Orbiter Boom Sensor System) that allowed Discovery to be checked for damage while on orbit.

For this model, the payload detail was made possible thanks to NASA's photo Gallery and Shuttlekit for STS-121.

All the payload elements can be removed easily in order to make the different configurations for photo shooting. The "Leonardo" module can be removed and also can be attached to International Space Station Node 1 "Unity".

On this mission, Discovery carried the 3rd and 4th experiments for MISSE, the MISSE-3 and MISSE-4. These experiments were placed on the same location where the MISSE-1 and MISSE-2 were attached. The MISSE-3 and MISSE-4 experiments were retrieved on mission STS-118.

UPDATE!!

This file has been revised. The "Leonardo" module has been re-colored to match the current ISS elements. Also, one of the ORU's, the Pump Module has been accurately detailed with the addition of the Fixed Grapple Bar. This element was located underneath the Integrated Cargo Carrier and consisted of two Grapple fixtures. One of these was placed via an EVA to the front of the Pump Module so the SSRMS can transport it to the ESP-2. At the end of this mission, the ESP-2 changed in configuration with the addition of the Pump Module. The Fixed Grapple Bar then was covered with a thermal blanket.

As a bonus, the ORU's elements are available on this page to be configured with ESP-2, everything at 1:100 scale. Check the updated assembly manual, too.

Enjoy this model!