The multi-purpose laboratory module (MLM) Nauka for the International Space Station (ISS), according to RIA Novosti, will lose a key opportunity, thanks to which it could become the basis of the Russian National Orbital Station.
Block "Science" should ensure the further development of the Russian segment of the ISS and the conduct of scientific research. MLM surpasses European Columbus and Japanese Kibo in a number of characteristics. The design of the module provides for unified workplaces - devices for installing and connecting scientific equipment inside and outside the station.
Back in 2013, contamination was found in the fuel system of the module. The compartment was sent for revision, because of which its launch had to be postponed.
And now it became known that due to the impossibility of cleaning standard fuel tanks from pollution, it was decided to replace them with fuel tanks manufactured by NPO Lavochkin.
“However, the new tanks are not designed for multiple use, they are disposable. Thus, the replacement will allow the module, after being launched into low orbit by the Proton rocket, to reach and dock to the ISS on its own, but the tanks will not be able to be refueled,” RIA Novosti reports.
In other words, the Nauka module cannot be made the base module of the Russian National Orbital Station.
As for the timing of the launch of the module into orbit, 2020 is now being considered. Pre-flight testing of the block should begin in the third quarter of 2019.
Source: 3dnews.ru