Additional Lab To Be Added To the ISS

Matt_dk writes "Apparently the International Space Station is going to get bigger. NASA and the Italian Space Agency (ASI) are preparing to sign an agreement to add another laboratory to the ISS by using a modified multipurpose logistics module (Raffaello) during the final Space Shuttle mission. It will be attached in September 2010 during Endeavour's STS-133 mission. The idea had originally been rejected, but earlier this year ISS program manager Michael Suffredini said using an MPLM for an additional module was being reconsidered."

Re:Why Don't They Leave the Shuttles Up There, Too

[Anonymous Coward]

I don't get why we're not planning to dock the shuttles to the ISS and leave them up there, too, with their useful engines, robotic arms, and so forth.

"And so forth"? You certainly mean their crew, don't you ...?

The space museums would be sad, but someone would undoubtably think up some cool things that could be accomplished with them up there.

Yes. Long-term storage of human beings in space.

Re:I don't see the point of adding to it.

[vasp]

Excuse me gentlemen, while I retreat to the masturbatorium!

I agree. The ISS has enough labs already.

[MarkRose]

Or maybe even a Holiday Inn.

The ISS already has enough labs. Why not go for something at least a little more interesting? Maybe a daschund or a beagle?