MS. STILSON: Chloe from Scranton asks why will the Space Station's robotic arm move the Raffaello module this time
instead of how it was done in previous flights where the Space Shuttle's robotic arm was used.
Is this a mechanical issue or related to a safety issue?
MR. HIGGINBOTHAM: Well, that's an excellent question, Chloe. You're right. On all previous missions, we used the Shuttle's arm
to lift the MPLM that was flying and pick it up and attach it to the node of the Station. However, on this mission,
we're flying the Orbiter Boom Sensor System for the first time. This boom sensor system is mounted on the orbiter payload bay,
on the opposite side from where the Shuttle arm is. And, unfortunately, it's in the way of the MPLM when it comes time to remove it
and put it back in place. So on flight-day three, just right after we dock to the Station, the crew is going to use the Station arm
to actually pick up the OBSS, hang it out in space, and hand it off to the Shuttle arm,
which will then deploy it out away from the Station in the Shuttle.
This will clear the way for the subsequent unberthing and docking of the MPLM to the Space Station. It also clears the way for the ESP-2
and the newer activity that is going to take place on the third EVA of the mission. Basically, with the OBSS being added to the flight,
we needed to get it out of the way. And the way we're going to do it is do this hand-off.
And so the Station arm, which is perfectly capable of doing the job,
will lift the MPLM up and attach it to the Station and then put it back when we're done.
MS. STILSON: That was our last question for you, Scott. Thank you so much for being a part four show.
MR. HIGGINBOTHAM: You're quite welcome, Stephanie.