NASA launches Harmony module to International Space Station

On October 23, 2007, the space shuttle Discovery launched the Harmony module to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the STS-120 mission. The module, a utility hub measuring 14 feet wide and 24 feet long, was designed to serve as a connecting hub for future modules and as crew quarters for American astronauts.

Built by Italy-based Thales Alenia Space, the Harmony module (originally known as Node 2) provided a vital expansion to the station's living space, increasing its capacity from roughly the size of a three-bedroom house to that of a five-bedroom house. It serves as a connection point for other international components, including the European Space Agency’s Columbus module and Japan’s Kibo laboratory.