Future ISS Russian modules
The launch scedule for future Russian modules and the final composition of the Russian segment is still somewhat uncertain, and rather confusing! A summary of the future Russian module launch schedule as of July 2008 (via Anik):
| Date | Module | Launcher |
|---|---|---|
| 15 Aug 2009 | MIM-2, Small Research Module-2 МИМ-2, Малый Исследовательский Модуль-2 |
Progress M-SO2 302 on a Soyuz-FG rocket |
| 8 Apr 2010 | MIM-1, Small Research Module-1 МИМ-1, Малый Исследовательский Модуль-1 |
STS-132 Discovery |
| Dec 2011 | MLM, Multifunctional Laboratory Module – МЛМ, Многоцелевой Лабораторный Модуль |
Proton-M rocket |
| 2013 | UM, Node Module УМ, Узловой Модуль |
Progress M-UM 303 on a Soyuz-2.1b rocket |
| 2014 | NEM-1, Science-Power Module-1 НЭМ-1, Научно-Энергетический Модуль-1 |
Proton-M (or Angara A5) rocket |
| 2015 | NEM-2, Science-Power Module-2 НЭМ-2, Научно-Энергетический Модуль-2 |
Proton-M (or Angara A5) rocket |
According to the Novosti Kosmonavtiki article, «Программа развития российского сегмента МКС» (ISS segment development program):
Therefore, by 2015 the ISS RS will include 8 modules: FGB Zarya, SM Zvezda, MLM, MRM-1-CDM, MRM-2-DC2, NM, SPM-1 and SPM-2. The RS total mass would be 122 tonnes, the pressurized volume up to 400 m³, and a power capacity of 80 kW.
Such a projected configuration of the ISS RS allows, if required, to start independent flight of the RS as a separate Russian orbital station.
The full-scale deployment of the RS will allow a continuous Russian presence in space, will provide an opportunity for fundamental scientific research, will give a chance for development of unique new materials, and will provide an opportunity for additional commercial services in space. In a longer-term perspective the ISS RS could be used for development, assembly and maintenance of lunar and interplanetary flights.
The ISS RS development program is approved by the Scientific and Technical Council of RKK Energia and Roskosmos management. It should now get the endorsement of the Russian government and receive full financing. Only in this case the full-scale ISS RS could be completed.
Below are details of some of the Russian modules, listed in flight order. To make things more confusing, these have more than one name! I refer to them by the transliteration of their Russian acronyms.
Small Research Module-2 (MIM-2)
Малый Исследовательский Модуль-2
This is a second docking module similar to Pirs. It has one workplace for scientific equipment on the module’s external surface. It was formerly known as Docking Module-2, Стыковочный Отсек-2.
| Mass | 4000 kg |
| Diameter | 2.6 m |
| Length | 4.6 m |
| Pressurized volume | 12.5 m³ |
| Mass of delivered cargoes | up to 1000 kg |
Small Research Module-1 (MIM-1)
Малый Исследовательский Модуль-1
MIM-1 will be built using the already-constructed hull of the Science Power Module (NEM). It will have two docking units: one for docking (with the help of the SSRMS) to the nadir port of Zarya module and one for the docking of Soyuz TMA spacecraft.
MIM-1 was formerly known as the Docking Cargo Module (SGM), Стыковочно Грузовой Модуль.
MIM-1 delivery in the U.S. will be in June 2009, and its launch is planned aboard STS-131/ULF4 (i.e. before Node 3) in 2010.
MIM-1 will be relocated to the nadir port of the Zarya module using the SRMS and SSRMS. Soyuz TMA docking to the nadir port of the Zarya module will be impossible without MIM-1 after the Node 3 delivery in STS-132/20A in 2010. Cargoes from ELC3 and ELC4 will be installed onto MIM-1. Cargoes for the MLM will be delivered onto MIM-1, for example: airlock, portable workplace and ERA manipulator’s spare elbow.
Its status as of 25/11/2008 (NASA refers to it as the MRM, Mini-Research Module):
There are challenges to getting hardware built and tested, and also awaiting paperwork for export. This could put pressure on L-6 delivery to KSC. There has been some updates to the CHT-50 (US-to-Russian power converter) being used in this module, so we intend to perform additional testing at KSC. Other key testing includes OIU to MRM1 interface and SSRMS CEU-to-MRM1 Software (Active docking mechanism is on MRM1. All commands to MRM1 will be routed to the MRM1 thru the SSRMS [manipulator arm]).
| Length | 5.5 m |
| Diameter | 2.2 m |
| Dry weight | 4.7 tonnes |
| Free internal volume | 14.5 m³ (5.5 m³ for storage of cargoes) |
Multifunctional Laboratory Module (MLM)
Многофункциональный Лабораторный Модуль
The MLM is set to be launched in 2011, and will occupy the nadir port of the Zarya module.
The MLM was created as a backup for the FGB in 1995 by GKNPTs Khrunichev (it was originally designated “FGB-2”). It has been modified since to accommodate the reduced configuration of the ISS.
The MLM was included in the configuration of the Russian segment in the documents:
- “Implementation of abbreviated ISS configuration”, «Опроведении работ по упрощенной конфигурации МКС», Rosaviacosmos Decision of 16 February 2004, approved by Yu.N. Koptev who was then the Director General of Rosaviakosmos;
- “Multipurpose Lab Module (MLM) implementation process using the FGB 2 backlog”, «О порядке проведения работ по многоцелевому лабораторному модулю (МЛМ) с использованием задела по ФГБ-2», the Federal Space Agency Decision of 20 July 2004, approved by A.N. Perminov, the Head of the FSA.
On 3 November 2006 a government contract between Energiya and Roskosmos was signed to begin development of the MLM. Energiya was the prime contractor; subcontractor companies included M.V. Khrunichev GKNPTs, NIITP, RNIIKP, NIIAO, VNIIEM, NPP Kvant, NIIMASh, Submicron and NPP Zvezda.
The tasks of the MLM are:
- To provide storage capacity and an extra docking port.
- To enable fuel to be transferred to storage tanks in Zarya and Zvezda from Progress cargo ships via fuel lines.
- To distribute power from the Science and Power Platform (though the SPP may not be launched).
- To accommodate and support the operations of the European Robotic Arm.
- To accommodate scientific research.
- To provide extra life support systems (such as another Elektron oxygen generator?), living space, data transmission services and power (via its two solar arrays).
- To control roll maneuvers of the ISS when the Station adjusts its attitude.
- Commercial customers will also be able to make use of the facilities of the MLM.
The MLM will use the probe-and-drogue docking system (see ISS docking systems page) to accommodate Progress and Soyuz spacecraft.
| Mass at launch | 20 300 kg |
| Mass in reference orbit | to 24 000 kg |
| Volume in the sealed compartment for scientific gear | 4 m³ |
| Mass of scientific gear | to 3-x tons |
| Quantity of the universal work sites | 3 |
| Parameters of reference orbit | |
| • Maximum height | 350 km |
| • Minimum height | 185 km |
| • Orbit inclination | 51.6 0 |
Node Module (UM)
Узловой Модуль
This module is required to attach the Science Power Modules and to provide extra docking ports (5 in total). It is to be launched in 2013.
| Mass | 4000 kg |
| Pressurized volume | 14 m³ |
| Available docking ports | 5 |
Science Power Modules 1 & 2 (NEM)
Научно-Энергетический Модуль-1 и -2
These two modules (NEM-1 & -2) are required to ensure an independent power supply to the ISS Russian Segment. In accordance with an agreement with NASA, the RS is partially supplied with power from the American segment, but this is possible only till 2015. For further RS operations it should have its own power system, and it is envisaged to have 2 similar modules for this purpose: SPM-1 in 2014 and SPM-2 in 2015. They would be launched by Proton-M rockets and would be docked to the port and aft docking ports of the UM.
| Mass | 20 000 kg |
| Diameter | 4.1 m |
| Length | 25.3 m |
| Dimensions with the fully deployed solar arrays and radiator | 26.5 х 25.3 х 10.5 m |
| Pressurized volume | up to 150 m3 |
| Pressurized volume for scientific equipment | 12 m3 |
| Solar arrays power capacity | 36 kW |
| Workplaces | 12 |
European Robot Arm (ERA)
The 11-meter ERA is one of ESA’s main contributions to the ISS. It is a joint project between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency, Roscosmos, and is developed by Dutch Space. Similarly to the Canadarm-2 on the U.S. segment, the ERA will be used to move around up to 8 tonnes of cargo and experimental equipment, utilize its videocameras to inspect the Station’s exterior and also transport spacewalkers to different parts of the Station. It will be able to autonomously “walk” around the Station using prefixed base points. It is to be launched by a Proton rocket as part of the MLM module.
Diagrams
Some are from this NSF thread.
- ISS Russian segment with new modules (99 KB)
- MIM-2 (26 KB)
- MIM-1 (67 KB)
- MLM (52 KB)
- Three unlabeled MLM computer diagrams: 1, 2, 3
Links
- Dutch Space: ERA
- Energiya press-release: About the ISS Russian Segment Multi-Purpose Laboratory Module Activities, 21 November 2006
- ESA Human Spaceflight projects: European Robotic Arm
- ESA Permanent Mission in Russia: European Robotics under the spotlight
- GKNPTs Khrunichev: FGB-based Multipurpose Lab Module (MLM)
- NASASpaceflight.com: Docking Cargo Module (module now renamed MIM-1) and Russian segment threads
- Novosti Kosmonavtiki:
- «NASA оплатило полёты своих астронавтов до 2011 года» (“NASA has paid for flights of the astronauts till 2011”), №6, 2007. Includes diagrams of the SGM.
- «Программа развития российского сегмента МКС» (ISS segment development program), №7, 2008. Only has a portion of the article that describes the MIM-2/SO-2 module. (In Russian)
Related page: ISS overview
~ Page last revised: 26 November 2008