GKNPTs im. M.V. Khrunicheva and Boeing extended the contract to maintain the operation of the Zarya functional cargo block of the International Space Station (ISS). This was announced at the International Aviation and Space Salon MAKS-2019.
The Zarya module was launched on a Proton-K launch vehicle from the Baikonur Cosmodrome on November 20, 1998. It was this block that became the first module of the orbital complex.
Initially, the estimated life of the Zarya was 15 years. But even now this unit is successfully functioning as part of the International Space Station.
The contract between Boeing and GKNPTs im. M.V. Khrunichev to extend the operation of the Zarya block after 15 years of operation in orbit was signed in 2013. Now the parties have reached an agreement that the Khrunichev Center will supply equipment that can be replaced in orbit to ensure the operation of the Zarya, as well as carry out work to modernize the design in order to expand the technical capabilities of the module in the period from 2021 to 2024.
βThe continued operation of the ISS is an essential component for maintaining international cooperation in the field of space exploration. The new agreement is a confirmation of an effective partnership, which will continue to contribute to the development of space activities in the interests of the world community," the GKNPTs them. M.V. Khrunichev.
Source: 3dnews.ru