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The Mini Pressurised Logistics Module (MPLM) has the important job of servicing the Space Station via the National Space Transportation System (NSTS). During the previous and the on-going Alenia design activities, a continous effort is spent to optimize the MPLM performance characteristics with a possible mass reduction. The aim is to reach the best compromise between different needs: the payload requirements, the functional ground and flight operational constraints (three units qualified for 25 flight missions each), the total mass available for the payload. This paper has the objective to document the recent configuration changes and activities of the last couple of years. The two subsystems involved in this evolution are the Thermal Control (TCS) and the Environmental Control (ECLSS). Most of the MPLM equipment has already passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) step and the update situation for each piece of equipment is listed in this paper.

The Mini-Pressurized Logistics Module (MPLM), shown in Figure 1, is the primary vehicle for the transportation of equipment, scientific payloads, and supplies for use inside of the International Space Station, hence the importance of the MPLM environmental control system design. Agenzia Spaziale Italian (ASI), an International Space Station Partner (IP), will supply three MPLMs, currently being designed and fabricated by Alenia Aerospazio, Divisione Spazio, to the Space Station Program. Design oversight for this activity is being performed by NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC).