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Activities performed during the phase B of the EXPERT capsule highlighted tight coupling between design solutions outlined for the thermal management architecture and the aerothermal phenomena expected during the re-entry trajectory. Ceramic and high temperature resistant metallic Thermal Protection System (TPS) form the aerodynamic shape of the capsule, so contributing to the aerothermal and structural flight verification, and also accomplish system functions, as TPS is part of a thermo-mechanical architecture that has to ensure the integrity of the capsule. Typical aerothermal phenomena to be tested, such as laminar to turbulent transition, roughness effects, active oxidation and catalycity, need a synergistic coupling with the TPS design called to play an active part during the experimentation (materials characteristics affect and are influenced by aerothermodynamics).

The Mini Pressurised Logistics Module (MPLM) has the important job of servicing the Space Station via the National Space Transportation System (NSTS). During the previous and the on-going Alenia design activities, a continous effort is spent to optimize the MPLM performance characteristics with a possible mass reduction. The aim is to reach the best compromise between different needs: the payload requirements, the functional ground and flight operational constraints (three units qualified for 25 flight missions each), the total mass available for the payload. This paper has the objective to document the recent configuration changes and activities of the last couple of years. The two subsystems involved in this evolution are the Thermal Control (TCS) and the Environmental Control (ECLSS). Most of the MPLM equipment has already passed the Critical Design Review (CDR) step and the update situation for each piece of equipment is listed in this paper.