For Release: Nov. 25, 1998

Tim Tyson
Media Relations Office
(256) 544-0994/0034
Tim.Tyson@msfc.nasa.gov
/centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/

June Malone
Media Relations Office
(256) 544-0034
June.Malone@msfc.nasa.gov
/centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/

The first U.S. International Space Station element -- the Unity connecting node -- is scheduled for launch Dec. 3 aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour.

Unity, built by The Boeing Company at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Ala., is a six-sided connecting node to which all future U.S. station modules will attach. Manufactured at the Marshall Center, the node also underwent all preflight dynamic and structural testing at Marshall. Once the Space Station is fully constructed, Unity will serve as a habitable passageway to various parts of the station.

Helping to lighten Endeavour's load for the trip is the Shuttle's super lightweight external fuel tank, which had its successful maiden voyage in June 1998.

The lightweight tank, designed to launch elements of the Space Station, also was developed at the Marshall Center. It is the same size as the tank it replaces - but about 7,500 pounds lighter. The weight reduction is essential for launching heavy pieces of the Space Station, such as the Unity node.

Interviews, photos and video about the manufacturing of Unity and the super lightweight external fuel tank are available to media representatives by contacting Tim Tyson or June Malone of the Marshall Media Relations Office at (256) 544-0034. For digital images or more information, visit Marshall's News Center on the Web at: /centers/msfc/NEWSROOM/