Launching a new Russian module "Science" to the ISS is scheduled for April 25, 2014 - ITAR-TASS

MOSCOW, August 30. / ITAR-TASS /. Named the exact launch date of the new Russian multipurpose laboratory module / MLM / “Science” to the International Space Station.

“In October this year, in line with the plans of the corporation” Energia “, the module will be shipped to the Baikonur Cosmodrome. launch of” Science “to the ISS is scheduled for April 25, 2014,” – told Itar-Tass source in the Russian the space industry.

He added that “now all the necessary documents for this program, including the launch schedule, sent to the Federal Space Agency / Roskosmos / where they have to approve”.

With MLM to leave the space station created by the European Space Agency robotic arm ERA / European Robotic Arm /. The interviewee noted that “the first task of the European arm is to install a radiator of system power on MLM.” “Without it, the module” Science “does not get the full power and, therefore, can not function in full”, – he explained. “These works are planned for August 2014,” – said the source.

Before that, he was informed, during the period from April / after docking module to the ISS / to July, there will be three spacewalks “in order to verify and confirm the European arm of its performance”.

MLM “Science” is designed and created Rocket and Space Corporation “Energia”. The module should ensure the development of the Russian segment of the ISS and conduct full-fledged research. With the arrival of the Russians module on the station will be a powerful laboratory and additional space for the storage of goods, the new “piers” for spaceships and vehicles. Currently, the “Science” is set manipulator ERA.