MLM Nauka

Mission

MLM Nauka

• Type: Human Exploration
• Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
• Launch Cost: $65,000,000

Nauka (which means "Science" in Russian), also known as Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM), is a new module of the russian segment of the ISS. It will dock at Zvezda's nadir port, replacing the Pirs module occupying it since September 2001. The Nauka module is designed to be used for experiments, docking and cargo as well as serve as a crew work and rest area. It is equipped with full guidance and navigation control including engines and an attitude control system that can be used as a backup by the ISS. The Nauka module also brings the European Robotic Arm, for which a spare elbow joint was already launched in 2010, to the orbital laboratory.

Location

200/39 (200L)

Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan

200/39 (200L) has witnessed the launch of 167 rockets, including 167 orbital launch attempts. While Baikonur Cosmodrome, Republic of Kazakhstan, has been the site for 1555 rocket launches.

The Baikonur Cosmodrome is a spaceport operated by Russia within Kazakhstan. Located in the Kazakh city of Baikonur, it is the largest operational space launch facility in terms of area. All Russian crewed spaceflights are launched from Baikonur.

Rocket

Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center Proton-M

Proton-M is a three stage Russian heavy lift launch vehicle derived from the Soviet Proton launch vehicle.

Image Credit: Alex Lane

Learn more about the Proton-M

Agency

Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center

Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center is a Moscow-based producer of spacecraft and space-launch systems, including the Proton and Rokot rockets and is currently developing the Angara rocket family. The Proton launch vehicle launches from Baikonur and Rokot launches from Baikonur and Plesetsk. Angara will launch from Plesetsk and Vostochny.