Crucial shuttle mission good to go

The cargo will form the basis of Nasa’s plans to have a permanent crew of six in orbit to increase the amount of useful scientific data that the space station can create.

This mission takes up new sleeping quarters, vital recycling facilities, the first refrigerator and an extra toilet, which is useful considering the ISS’s only toilet has been malfunctioning.

“When the fourth space shuttle mission of the year is complete, the International Space Station will have all of the key systems needed to turn what is now a three-bedroom, one-bathroom home for three into a five-bedroom, two-bath residence for six,” said Nasa.

The 15 day mission will also see essential maintenance on the solar array arms that power the station and allow one of the crew members to swap out and return home.

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