In accordance with the prelaunch preparation schedule, factory control tests of the Nauka module continue in the assembly and test building of site No. 254 of the Baikonur cosmodrome. Its launch to the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) is scheduled for 2021 using the Proton-M launch vehicle.
To date, the specialists of the Roscosmos State Corporation have completed 80% of the planned inspections. Tests of the television communication system and antenna-feeder device of the television system, including TV circuits and encoders, TV communication through universal crew workplaces were carried out. The main and backup sets of the module’s temperature control system, components of the Nauka propulsion system, the module’s motion and navigation control system were tested. At the same time, tests of the pressurization system and fuel supply to the high and low pressure fuel and oxidizer tanks and pressure sensors of the pressurization and fuel supply systems were carried out.
The “Science” laboratory module is a research module of the Russian segment of the International Space Station, developed by the SP Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia. Korolev (equipment of on-board systems and scientific equipment) in cooperation with M.V. Khrunichev (general design and production, part of the Roscosmos State Corporation) in order to expand the functionality of the Russian segment of the ISS.
The “Science” module was created on the constructive and technological base of the “Zarya” functional-cargo block using the experience of designing a transport supply ship for manned scientific stations “Salyut” and modules for retrofitting the “Mir” orbital complex. It will be located at the nadir port of the Zvezda service module and is intended to implement the Russian program of scientific and applied research and experiments.
After the commissioning of the new module, the Russian segment will receive additional volumes for the arrangement of workplaces and storage of cargo, placement of equipment for the regeneration of water and oxygen, the conditions for the stay of cosmonauts will improve and become more comfortable, as well as the safety of the entire ISS crew.