Page 24 - Curriculum Visions Dynamic Book

Spacelab and Spacehab
A unit called the Spacelab is sometimes fitted inside the cargo bay of the orbiter and is used for conducting scientific experiments. Another unit, called Spacehab, can be used to provide more working space if it is needed on a mission.
The total pAyloAd that a Space Shuttle can carry is about 24 tonnes into space and 16 tonnes back to Earth.
The robotic arm
It is all very well carrying a
valuable payload into orbit.
But it then has to be taken
out of the cargo bay and set in an
orbital position or relaunched out of the
Earth’s orbit. That is where the remote manipulator system (RMS) comes in. It is mounted in the rear of the cockpit, so it is clear of the cargo bay.
 Part of the interior of Spacehab. Notice the straps in the floor to help astronauts keep their positions.
 The location of Spacelab in the rear part of the orbiter’s loading bay.
Spacelab units are carried inside the orbiters payload bay during flight.
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