[FPSPACE] [Fwd: update on ISS Russian segment]

[David Woods]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	update on ISS Russian segment
Date: 	Sun, 21 Nov 2004 14:46:16 +0100
From: 	Bart Hendrickx <bart.hendrickx at hogent.be>
Reply-To: 	bart.hendrickx at hogent.be
To: 	drwoods1 at earthlink.net



The latest issue of "Novosti Kosmonavtiki" (11/2004) has an article on 
the latest plans for expanding the ISS Russian segment. The article is 
available on-line (in Russian) at NK's website :

http://www.novosti-kosmonavtiki.ru/content/numbers/262/01.shtml
 
A summary of the main points :
- the next element to go up should be the Multipurpose Laboratory Module 
(MLM). Last August Roskosmos decided that the MLM will be built on the 
basis of Khrunichev's partially finished FGB-2 (the Zarya back-up 
vehicle). An alternative proposal by RKK Energia using the same design 
as the (cancelled) Enterprise module was rejected. The MLM will be 
docked to the Zarya nadir port. Launch aboard a Proton rocket is 
scheduled for 2007 and has to take place before Node-3 occupies the 
neighbouring nadir port on Unity in May 2008 (Node-3 would interfere 
with the MLM's docking).
 
Aside from scientific equipment, the MLM will house various life support 
systems, accommodations and hygienic facilities for the crew 
(including an additional personal sleeping room, a sauna and an 
additional toilet). Some room aboard the module will be reserved for 
storing cargo and spare parts. The MLM will be launched with the 
European Robotic Arm mounted on its hull. Since development of Russian 
scientific gear has run behind schedule, most of it will be installed 
aboard MLM in the first two years *after* the module arrives at ISS. The 
MLM will have an aft docking port to receive Soyuz and Progress vehicles 
as well as a lateral docking port. The lateral port will be occupied by 
a small airlock, to be launched aboard the Shuttle. The airlock will be 
used to expose various experiments to the vacuum of space without the 
crew having to exit the station.
 
-  next up should be the Scientific Energy Module (NEM), formerly called 
the Scientific Energy Platform (NEP). This will be mounted on Zvezda's 
zenith port and will consist of a small pressurized section (containing 
gyrodins), a boom and a set of eight solar arrays. The entire NEM could 
be delivered by a single Shuttle flight in 2010 (obviously, these plans 
hinge on how the Shuttle launch schedule evolves in the next few 
years). Installed outside the pressurized section will be radiator 
panels, storage batteries and a small engine unit for roll control. This 
section will also have a lateral docking port to receive the Pirs/SO-1 
module, which will be transferred from its current location at the 
Zvezda nadir port by either the SSRMS or the European Robotic Arm.
 
-  Roskosmos is still hoping to launch a dedicated Research Module (IM) 
in 2011. This should be docked to the Zvezda nadir port. The IM will use 
either the FGB or the Enterprise design, with Roskosmos currently 
favouring the FGB option. The IM will have an aft port for Soyuz and 
Progress dockings and a lateral port. Two smaller scientific modules, 
either using the Enterprise or the Pirs design, may be added to the 
Russian segment even later.
 
The article includes a drawing of the entire Russian segment as well as 
of the MLM/FGB-2.
 
Bart Hendrickx