International Standard Payload Rack

{{Short description|Steel container used in the International Space Station}}

The International Standard Payload Rack (ISPR) is a steel framework container that is designed and been adopted by the International Space Station (ISS) program to support efficient integration and interchangeability of space payload hardware, such as machines and experiments. A typical rack contains 37 ISPR slots for science payloads, which are interchangeable to accommodate different components or payloads.

Capabilities

Each ISPR provides {{convert|1.571|m3|ft3|abbr=on}} of internal volume being about {{convert|2|m|in|abbr=on}} high, {{convert|1.05|m|in|abbr=on}} wide, and {{convert|85.9|cm|in|abbr=on}} deep. The rack weighs 104 kg (230 lb) and can accommodate an additional {{convert|700|kg|lb|abbr=on}} of payload equipment.{{cite web |title=International Space Station User Guide |url=http://www.spaceref.com/iss/ops/ISS.User.Guide.R2.pdf |publisher=National Aeronautics and Space Administration |access-date=19 January 2021}} The rack has internal mounting provisions to allow attachment of secondary structure. The ISPRs will be outfitted with a thin center post to accommodate sub-rack-sized payloads, such as the 483 mm (19-inch rack) Spacelab Standard Interface Rack (SIR) Drawer or the Space Shuttle Middeck Locker. Utility pass-through ports are located on each side to allow cables to be run between Racks. Module attachment points are provided at the top of the rack and via pivot points at the bottom. The pivot points support installation and maintenance. Tracks on the exterior front posts allow mounting of payload equipment and laptop computers. Additional adapters on the ISPRs are provided for ground handling.{{Citation needed|date=September 2020}}

Compatibility

The International Standard Payload Rack are the size of a side-by-side refrigerator, and is too big to fit through the Russian probe and drogue docking system, APAS, or NDS docking systems, and therefore cannot be transferred directly from a Progress, ATV, or the interior of the Space Shuttle to the ISS.{{Cite web|url=https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2012/07/japans-htv-3-large-delivery-supplies-and-research-cargo-to-iss/|title=HTV-3 arrives to make large delivery of supplies and research cargo to ISS {{!}} NASASpaceFlight.com|website=www.nasaspaceflight.com|access-date=2016-04-16}}{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}} In the past ISPRs were delivered in Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules, which were carried in the Space Shuttle cargo bay and berthed to CBM ports. Cygnus spacecraft hatches are too narrow to fit ISPRs with their {{convert|37|in|cm}} wide openings and Cargo Dragon 1 spacecraft have no capability to either launch or return ISPRs because of the design of the pressurized section of the Cargo Dragon 1 spacecraft which can only transport cargo bags and smaller racks. Cargo Dragon 2 spacecraft have {{convert|31|in|cm}} wide hatch openings and can not fit the {{convert|41.3|in|cm}} wide ISPRs. {{As of|2020}} ISPRs can only be delivered using the Japanese H-II Transfer Vehicle.{{cite web|url=http://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2010/10/iss-prepares-busy-upcoming-year-logistics-operations/|title=ISS Prepares for Busy Upcoming Year of Logistics Operations|last=Harding|first=Pete|date=2010-10-20|publisher=Nasaspaceflight|quote=Bay one can carry four International Standard Payloads Racks (ISPRs), than can be removed from the HTV and transferred to the ISS.|accessdate=18 September 2011}}

Other ISPR systems

Japan has developed an ISPR with interfaces and capabilities nearly identical to NASA's.{{Citation needed|date=November 2010}}

References

External links

[https://web.archive.org/web/20090613005742/https://mistprod.hosc.msfc.nasa.gov/E-basicaccomodations/E3.html "Generic NASA Accommodations"]. mistprod.hosc.msfc.nasa.gov
https://web.archive.org/web/20080909215026/http://pdf.aiaa.org/preview/1998/PV1998_466.pdf

Category:Components of the International Space Station