Nauka (ISS module)
List of ISS modules
The Mnogozelewoi laboratorny module (MLM, Russian Многоцелевой лабораторный модуль - МЛМ ), English Multipurpose Laboratory Module, is a research module for the International Space Station (ISS), which is currently being built by RKK Energia and Khrunichev GKNPZ on behalf of Roskosmos. Meanwhile, the module also received the designation Nauka ( Наука, "science" ).
Development
Initial planning of the ISS from the early 1990s saw the Russian segment of the station before several research modules that should be appended to the base modules Zarya and Zvezda, to increase the research capacity significantly. Due to scarce resources and problems with transport systems, these plans could not be pursued for years. It was not until 2009 and 2010 came with Poisk and Rasswjet, also referred to as MIM MIM 2 and 1, two small modules with limited research opportunities to the station.
In August 2004 it was decided to build the MLM on the already since 1998 to around 70 % completed Zarya replacement module called FGB -2 (short for Russian функционально - грузовой блок 2, English Functional Cargo Block 2 ) to fall back, which has been was no longer needed the successful launch of Zarya on 20 November 1998. The former prime contractor GKNPZ Khrunichev was replaced in 2006 by RKK Energia, Khrunichev, however, continued to take part instrumental in the production of the module.
The MLM is similar to the Zarya module built, with a length of 13 m and a maximum diameter of 4.1 m. The take-off mass of the module should be 20.3 t. After the subsequent installation of all elements the mass is to increase to 24 t. The module is divided into two sections, the main cylindrical portion and the spherical interface adapters. The volume under pressure is 71 cubic meters, of which 64 cubic meters to the main part and 7 m³ on the adapter.
In the initial configuration, the MLM over three coupling adapter disposal: an active type " SSWP G4000 " at the front end, which was intended for docking to the Zarya module of the ISS, as well as an axial and a radial passive adapter to the spherical coupling node. The axial passive docking port of type " SSWP G4000 " is intended for docking of the Soyuz spacecraft and Progress transporters. The radial adapters an airlock for discharging experiments in the open space to be mounted.
In 2005, a treaty between the Russian space agency Roscosmos and the European ESA was signed, the European Robotic Arm ERA should be started after together with the MLM. In addition to maintenance and monitoring work, it is ERA be possible to expose experiments using the airlock in space.
After several planning changes to the docking adapter on the bow of MLM was replaced by the larger " SSWP G8000 " and the module should now be mounted in early 2014 at the nadir point of Zvezda. These Pirs is decoupled with a Progress cargo and brought to burn-out shortly before. It is further provided at nadir coupling unit a special node module (UM, 2014) to install a total of 6 docking port, which is the installation of further research modules (NEM 1, 2016) as well as the coupling of manned and unmanned spaceships allowed.
Start and Installation
The start of the MLM was originally planned for 2009 but delayed repeatedly and is not planned before 2015. Before installing the MLM of the shuttle transport flight for the module Rasswjet (STS -132 ) were delivered the airlock, a radiator and spare parts for the European robotic arm ERA in the frame. In all of these pieces of equipment, be made later by the ERA on MLM.
Scientific tasks
The MLM is according to current plans, the central research module on the Russian segment of the ISS dar. main task of the MLM to use for experiments will therefore be. The onboard systems include, among others, the control station for the European robotic arm ERA and fixing and snap points on the outer skin, which supply it with energy and data. Besides its own research capacity represents the MLM coupling adapter for the air lock and a shuttle vehicle. Free saver to keep open the option to extend the field of research. In the main part of the module, a place to sleep (the third in the Russian station segment), as well as washing and toilet facilities are planned. For storage of freight and spare parts are provided up to 8 m³ volume. Up to 3 tonnes of scientific equipment found in the MLM space, but there are 4 m³ volume available.
Even after the renovation, the MLM will have the same engine systems and solar generators as Sarja. After docking with the station, the engines are used for supplementary position correction of the station and as a redundant system in case of failure of the control systems to Zarya and Zvezda. In addition, the module has fuel pumps and lines that allow the transfer of the delivered by Progress freighters fuel in the other Russian modules. With the solar generators power can be generated to operate the module and to supply the Russian segment.