The Complete Book of Spaceflight: From Apollo 1 to Zero Gravity

204 interplanetary magnetic field
Columbus Laboratory
A pressurized research module, supplied by ESA (the
European Space Agency) similar in structure to the
Multi-Purpose Logistics Module (MPLM). It is due to
be attached to Node 2 of the ISS in 2004. Columbus
is designed as a habitable, general purpose laboratory
capable of supporting research in materials and fluid
sciences, life sciences, and technology development.
Kibo Laboratory
Japan’s major contribution to the ISS. It consists of a
pressurized laboratory module, 11.2 m long and 15.9
tons in mass, to which is attached an exposed facility
(for carrying out experiments in the hostile environment
of space), a robot arm, and an experiment logistics
module (designed to carry pressurized and
unpressurized cargo). The first element of Kibo, the
logistics module, is scheduled for launch in 2004.
Russian Research Modules
Two pressurized science laboratory modules, built in
Ukraine and Russia, scheduled for launch by Soyuz
rockets in 2005 and 2006.
Centrifuge Accommodation Module (CAM)
An American pressurized laboratory that will enable
long-term study of the effects of varying gravity levels
on the structure and function of generations of living
organisms. CAM will house the Centrifuge Facility, a
interplanetary magnetic field
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two plays a major role in the flow of energy from the
solar wind to Earth’s environment.
interplanetary space
The space beyond the orbit of the Moon extending to the
limits of the Solar System.
intersatellite link
A message transmission circuit between two communication
satellites, as opposed to a circuit between a single
satellite and Earth.
interstage
A section of a rocket between two stages, such as the
interstage spacing ring between the first and second
stages of the Saturn V.
2.5-m-diameter centrifuge rotor, and the Gravitational
Biology Facility, with racks for holding plants,
animals, and habitats.
Science Power Platform (SPP)
A Russian element of the station, scheduled for
launch in 2004, that will provide about 25 kW of
power and heat rejection for the station’s science
experiments and general operation.
Canadian Mobile Servicing System
See Remote Manipulator System.
Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules
Effectively the ISS’s moving vans. Built by ASI (the
Italian Space Agency), they allow the Space Shuttle to
ferry experiments, supplies, and cargo back and forth
during missions to the station. There are three versions
of the module, known as Leonardo, Raffaello,
and Donnatello. Each can carry up to 16 standard ISS
equipment racks or other supplies.
Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV)
An unmanned servicing and logistics vehicle for the
periodic resupply of the ISS. Supplied by ESA, it will
be launched by Ariane 5. The ATV can deliver up to 7.5
tons of cargo, including experiments, fuel, food, water,
and compressed air, to the Station and reentry (to burn
up in the atmosphere) with up to 6.5 tons of waste.
interstellar ark
See generation ship.
interstellar medium (ISM)
Material between the stars. It consists of about 99% gas
(mostly hydrogen) and 1% dust, spread incredibly thinly.
The average density of the ISM is only about one particle
per cubic cm. However, in some regions, such as molecular
clouds, the density can be as high as 10 10 (10 trillion)
particles per cubic cm.
interstellar precursor mission
A robot spacecraft, equipped with an advanced propulsion
system, that represents an intermediate step between
today’s deep-space missions, such as Voyager, and the
first true star probes. One such mission, known as the
Interstellar Probe, has been proposed by NASA for
launch in 2010 or beyond. Other missions that would