November 21, 2006. Korolev, Moscow Region.
S.P. Korolev Rocket & Space Corporation Energia secured an order from the Federal Space Agency for development of the Multi-Purpose Laboratory Module (MLM) for the Russian Segment (RS) of the International Space Station (ISS).
On November 3, 2006 a government contract for MLM development activities in 2007 was signed by Roscosmos and RSC Energia management. According to the Contract, the Corporation is defined as a Prime Contractor for these activities. Subcontractors of the Project are M.V.Khrunichev GKNPTs, NIITP, RNIIKP, NIIAO, VNIIEM, NPP Kvant, NIIMASh, Submicron, NPP Zvezda and others.
MLM is developed with the aim to extend research, application and functional capabilities of the Russian Segment and increase economic efficiency of its utilization at the cost of an increased range and list of services to be provided. Its launch into orbit and commissioning as part of the Russian Segment is scheduled in 2009.
MLM is developed based on RSC Energia experience gained in new space technologies, Mir manned orbital station, ISS Russian Segment and Service Module Zvezda. For an efficient utilization, MLM will accommodate general-purpose and special-purpose workstations designed as replaceable payloads, onboard control system based on up-to-date instruments and equipment. MLM internal layout will be optimized in order to save more space for scientific hardware and payloads. Some systems developed by the European Space Agency are planned to be accommodated in the module, i.e. ERA manipulator and multifunctional onboard computer DMS-R.
For reference: RSC Energia has an enormous experience in development and operation of Salyut series long duration orbital stations (1971-1991), Mir orbital station (1986-2001). At present, Corporation is a prime contractor and integrator of the ISS Russian Segment. Previously RSC Energia supplied modules Zvezda, Pirs for the ISS RS, which are being operated as part of the station. In addition, Corporation manufactures Soyuz crew vehicles and Progress cargo vehicles, which deliver crews and cargo. |
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