EXPRESS Logistics Carriers 1-4
Quick Facts
The EXPRESS Logistics Carriers are mounted externally along the station’s truss structure and can hold a variety of payloads.
Space shuttle Atlantis delivered the first two EXPRESS Logistics Carriers to the orbital outpost on Nov. 18, 2009.
The space shuttle Discovery delivered the ELC-4 and the Permanent Multipurpose Module to the orbital outpost on Feb. 26, 2011.
The shuttle’s robotic arm handed off the ELC-3 to the station’s robotic arm for installation on May 18, 2011.
The EXpedite the PRocessing of Experiments to Space Station (EXPRESS) Logistics Carrier (ELC) is a platform designed to support external payloads mounted to the International Space Station starboard and port trusses with either deep space or Earth views.
The EXPRESS Logistics Carriers were carried in the space shuttle cargo bay for installation on the space station’s truss structure. Two ELCs are attached to the P3/P4 truss structure and two are attached to the S3/S4 truss structure.
External payloads may be accommodated on the ELCs at several locations on the S3 and P3 Truss segments. Mounting spaces are provided, and interfaces for power and data are standardized to provide quick and straightforward payload integration. Payloads can be mounted using the Mobile Servicing System.
Mission Overview
EXPRESS Logistics Carriers-1 and 2 Launch: 11/16/09
Installation (ELC-1): 11/19/09
Installation (ELC-2): 11/20/09
Assembly Mission: ULF3
Shuttle Mission: STS-129
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Atlantis
Crew on station: Expedition 21
EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-4 Launch: 2/24/11
Installation: 2/26/11
Assembly Mission: ULF5
Shuttle Mission: STS-133
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Discovery
Crew on station: Expedition 26
EXPRESS Logistics Carrier-3 Launch: 5/16/11
Installation: 5/18/11
Assembly Mission: ULF6
Shuttle Mission: STS-134
Vehicle: Space Shuttle Endeavour
Crew on station: Expedition 27
