Dmitry Rogozin, Director General of the state corporation Roscosmos, announced that the project to create a multifunctional laboratory module (MLM) "Nauka" for the International Space Station (ISS) is nearing completion.
The creation of the Science block began more than 20 years ago - in 1995. Then this module was considered as a backup of the Zarya functional cargo block. In 2004, a decision was made to transform the MLM into a full-fledged flight module for scientific purposes with a launch in 2007.
Alas, the implementation of the project was seriously delayed. The launch of the module into orbit has been postponed many times, and now 2020 is being considered as the launch date.
According to Mr. Rogozin, the Nauka module will leave the workshops of the Khrunichev Center in August this year and will be transported to RSC Energia for pre-flight tests. This decision was made at a meeting with the participation of general designers.
The new module will be one of the largest in the ISS. It will be able to carry up to 3 tons of scientific equipment on board. The equipment will include a European robotic arm ERA with a length of 11,3 meters. In addition, the module will receive a port for docking transport ships.
We also note that now the Russian part of the orbital complex includes the Zarya functional cargo block, the Zvezda service module, the Pirs docking compartment, the Poisk small research module, and the Rassvet docking and cargo module.
Source: 3dnews.ru