Spacehab Research Double Module

Not to be confused with Spacelab.

Spacehab Research Double Module (RDM) in the Space Shuttle.

Spacehab Research Double Module on board STS-107.

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

References

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