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New Space Shuttle mission for Leonardo MPLM,built by Thales Alenia Space

15 November 2008

Cannes, November 15, 2008 - Leonardo, the first of the Multi-Purpose Pressurized Logistics Modules (MPLM) developed by Thales Alenia Space for the International Space Station (ISS), has begun its fourth mission with a spectacular launch on the U.S. Space Shuttle Endeavour from the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. Today's mission, STS 126, is the eighth to be carried out by the Shuttle with an Italian-made MPLM module.

The Shuttle will be docked to the Space Station about two days after launch. The ISS crew will be in charge of removing Leonardo from the shuttle's hold and connecting it to another major part of the space station, Node 2 (Harmony), also produced by Thales Alenia Space's Turin plant, and launched in October 2007. Leonardo is once again carrying the equipment and supplies needed for both scientific experiments and to support the Station's crew. Leonardo was the first of the MPLM modules to be commissioned, with two launches to the ISS in 2001, followed by two more launches of its twin Raffaello, in 2001 and 2005.

The MPLM is a Multi-Purpose Pressurized Logistics Module used to transport equipment, supplies and material to the International Space Station, via the Space Shuttle. Three flight models have been built: Leonardo, Raffaello and Donatello. The modules' design is based on the concept of flexible, multipurpose orbital operation. Once docked to the International Space Station, the modules allow both active and passive storage, as well as offering sufficient habitable space for two astronauts.

"With this latest Shuttle launch, Thales Alenia Space has once again confirmed its leadership in orbital infrastructures," said Luigi Pasquali, President and CEO of Thales Alenia Space Italia. "We have played a major role in recent International Space Station missions, helping to sustain and extend its capabilities. I am also very proud of our role as the manufacturer of nearly half of the Space Station's habitable space, and our position as the only non-American company to play such an important role in the construction of orbital infrastructures."

Thales Alenia Space, a leading manufacturer of space infrastructures, satellites, payloads and equipment, is the prime contractor for the design, development, qualification and integration of the three MPLM modules, within the scope of a bilateral agreement between Italian space agency ASI and NASA. It also coordinates module interfaces with both the Space Station and the Shuttle. In addition, Thales Alenia Space provides ground and space mission planning and management support to NASA, through the Turin-based ALTEC Space Center. Also working with NASA, Thales Alenia Space provides support services for these modules, again via the ALTEC control center.

About Thales Alenia Space
European leader in satellite systems and a major player in orbital infrastructures, Thales Alenia Space is a joint venture between Thales (67%) and Finmeccanica (33%). Thales Alenia Space and Telespazio embody the two groups' "Space Alliance". Thales Alenia Space sets the global standard in solutions for space telecoms, radar and optical Earth observation, defense and security, navigation and science. The company has a total of 7,200 employees and 11 industrial sites, with design and manufacturing facilities in France, Italy, Spain and Belgium.