The STS-126 flight to the International Space Station (ISS) is jam-packed with not only activities, but goodies for the orbiting outpost. The crew will deliver a variety of home improvement materials, including the first-ever refrigerator in space.
The refrigerator is part of a galley update included on the Leonardo cargo hauler. This delivery is the largest yet. Tucked away on the cargo pallets: a new, second toilet.
The current ISS toilet is notoriously fickle and has required astronauts to temporarily work as plumbers. So, this cargo will provide some real relief to the hard-working crews who live on the station for months.
Other supplies include new wastewater conversion equipment (the polite way of saying converting urine and condensation to drinking water), supplies, and everything needed to expand crew capability to six persons. The mission also includes four spacewalks.
This NASA video gives an overview of what's headed to space at 7:55 p.m. Nov. 14. And, here's your checklist of key pre-launch activities on the countdown clock.
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