With the retirement of the Space Shuttle fleet, the three Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules are also scheduled to be retired as they are designed to fly into space in a Shuttle and be temporarily docked to the International Space Shuttle to serve as “moving vans”.
Has NASA ever considered leaving the MPLMs attached the station at the end of their last mission to provide additional storage and/or living space for the ISS?
It seems a waste to build and use the MPLMs just ten times, and with some of the grandiose plans for ISS modules (e.g. Transhab) shelved, could this not be a way for get more space a little cost?
The Donatello MPLM in particular would seem to be a good addition as it is capable of carrying powered payloads. That would imply it could be potentially used a module to hold powered science equipment.
Even the unpowered MPLMs could be some use in the future. I say leave them attached to the station and let future engineers figure out how to use them