Space shuttle delivers supplies to International Space Station

by Rich Bowden - Nov 17 2008, 19:36

Following yesterday's successful docking with the International Space Station (ISS), the space shuttle Endeavour today began moving over supplies that will allow the number of ISS residents to increase from three to six members next year.

Included among the items delivered are a kitchenette, space bedroom, a new toilet and a device that transforms urine and sweat into drinkable water for use at the station. Also set to be delivered are new galley components, two new food warmers, a food refrigerator, an experiment freezer, a combustion science experiment rack, two separate sleeping quarters and an exercise device, according to NASA.

The urine recycling system has been seen as revolutionary technology, which will allow self-sufficiency in future space flights.

"Some people may think it’s downright disgusting, but if it’s done correctly, you process water that’s purer than what you drink here on Earth," said Endeavour mission specialist astronaut Heidemarie Stefanyshyn-Piper as reported by Wired News prior to takeoff.

"More important, [it] allows us the capability of being more self sufficient and not requiring as many supplies to be sent up to the space station. Going on to the moon and to Mars, that’s really going to be critical," she added.

The astronauts have braced themselves for a big removal operation today.

"It's a big day in front of us," said space station commander Mike Fincke regarding the moving of materials. "We're here to work, and this is the can-do crew."

"Things are going exceedingly well," LeRoy Cain, chairman of the mission management team, said Sunday.

The shuttle crew will spend two weeks aboard the ISS setting up the new equipment and they also plan to venture out on four spacewalks to repair a damaged solar wing-rotating joint. The mission will also deliver a new ISS crew member, NASA astronaut Sandra Magnus, who will replace mission specialist Greg Chamitoff who has been living on the space station since June.

"It's a big party up here with 10 people, it's amazing," he said.

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