US Node

Connecting different sections of the western portion of the Space Station is the U.S. Node.  The Node has six connecting ports, each of which provides a sealed attachment link for a module or other pressurized unit.  Aside from modules and other nodes, each node port may be used to link to a pressurized mating adaptor (the U.S. end only, of course) or to the cupola ( a viewing "bubble" used to give those inside the Space Station a clear view of the exterior).

In addition to providing an airtight connection from one module to another through which people may pass, the node links electrical power from section to section and also assists in air circulation.  There are four racks (units in which experiments or materials can be placed) making the node a small module as well as a connecting unit.
