The Nauka Multifunctional Laboratory Module (MLM) will become part of the International Space Station (ISS) no earlier than next autumn. This is reported by TASS with reference to sources in the rocket and space industry.
On the preparation of the Science block for launch, we recently . It is expected that this module will become a new platform for the development of Russian space science. According to experts, now there is not enough space in orbit for a number of experiments. With "Science" there will be more space and opportunities for experiments.
It should be noted that work on the new ISS module has been seriously delayed. The timing of the launch of MLM was revised many times due to various difficulties. In particular, 2011, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2019 were named consecutively.
Now sending Nauka into orbit is scheduled for next year. βThe launch date for MLM Nauka is the end of October - November 2020, not earlier,β informed people said.
It is assumed that the high degree of automation of the MLM will reduce the number of costly spacewalks - many overboard operations can be performed without leaving the station.
To launch the new block into orbit, it is planned to use the Proton-M launch vehicle.
Source: 3dnews.ru