Russia’s ‘Nauka’ module launched to the International Space Station certified, for the first time since 2010

Posted:

July 21, 2021, 08:04 GMT

The launch is scheduled for 14:58 (GMT) on July 21 with the Proton M rocket.

A Proton-M rocket aboard the “Nauka” module this Wednesday received a government commission’s approval for its launch toward the International Space Station (ISS) from the Baikonur Cosmodrome (Kazakhstan), Russia’s Roscosmos space agency reported. .

The launch is scheduled for 14:58 (GMT) on July 21 with the Proton M rocket. This is the first time Russia has launched a module toward the International Space Station since 2010, when it sent a Rasvet (Dawn) rocket. . The ‘Progress M-16’ space cargo module and Pirs dock are set to separate on July 23, days before the ‘Nauka’ module arrives at the International Space Station, details TASS.

The multi-purpose laboratory unit “Nauka” is designed to conduct experiments and scientific research. Once operational, the Russian sector of the ISS will be able to have more working space, as well as store more cargo and equipment to replenish water and oxygen. The arrival of the new unit will provide Russian cosmonauts a second toilet, a cabin for the third team member, as well as the European ERA robotic arm, which will allow them to perform some tasks without having to go outside space.

The Proton-M is a single-use carrier rocket belonging to the family of proton launchers manufactured in the early 1960s, and is used in orbiting the Russian components of the International Space Station, communications satellites, military stations, as well as interplanetary stations.