Spacehab Research Double Module Explained

The Research Double Module (RDM) was a payload module built by Spacehab Inc (now Astrotech Corporation) for the US Space Shuttle Orbiters.^{[1] [2] [3]} The module flew only on the ill-fated Space Shuttle Columbia STS-107 mission, in which it was destroyed.^[4]

STS-107

The inaugural flight of Spacehab's research double module, which launched January 2003 on STS-107, ended when the Space Shuttle Columbia broke up during re-entry. In February 2003 Spacehab received $17.7 million from its commercial insurance policy. In January 2004, Spacehab filed a formal claim against NASA for the amount of $87.7 million for the loss caused by the Columbia accident and in October 2004 NASA paid the company $8.2 million.^{[5] [6]} In February 2007, Spacehab dropped all litigation against NASA.^[7]

See also

• Other Spacehab hardware:
  • • • Integrated Cargo Carrier External Stowage Platform
• Spacelab, European reusable laboratory flown in the Shuttle orbiter's cargo bay

Notes and References

1. News: SpaceRef . 2002-08-21 . Spacehab Research Double Module to Embark on Debut Flight . 2025-11-17 . SpaceNews . en-US.
2. 2002-12-16 . Payloads: SPACEHAB Research Double Module (RDM) . STS 107 Shuttle Press Kit: Providing 24/7 Space Science Research . en.
3. Web site: Spaceflight Now Breaking News Spacehab research module to fly on 2002 shuttle mission . 2025-11-17 . spaceflightnow.com.
4. Web site: 2017-02-04 . ‘So Thin and Fragile’: Remembering Columbia’s Final Mission (Part 1) - AmericaSpace . 2025-11-17 . www.americaspace.com . en-US.
5. Two Spacehab press releases from January 2004 and 2005 regarding the claims filed against NASA for STS-107 http://www.spacehab.com/news/2004/04_01_20.htm http://www.spacehab.com/news/2005/05_01_05.htm
6. Web site: 2004-01-20 . $87.7 million claim filed over Columbia loss . 2024-09-22 . NBC News . en.
7. Web site: 2009-02-02 . Firm Seeks $8 Million For Experiment That Survived Columbia Accident . 2024-09-22 . Space.com . en.