main page newsspace newsthe fourth module of russia's segment of the iss went into orbit.

The fourth module of Russia's segment of the ISS went into orbit.. / November 16, 2009 /

Launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome launch vehicle Soyuz-U «, on board the Small Research Module-2 (MIM-2)» Search ". On the run RIA Novosti reported.

After two days of autonomous flight, the new module should be docked to the station. By ISS «Search» will deliver a specially modernized cargo ship «Progress». He joins the upper docking port of module «Zvezda». Docking is scheduled for November 12, 18:44 Moscow time.

«Search» Russia should become the fourth module of the ISS. It was developed on the basis of the docking module «Pirs». However, the MIM-2 will serve as the laboratory compartment. Inside the module station residents will be able to carry out various experiments, in particular, to study the impact of microgravity on the behavior of particles and to assess the impact of space flight on the development of microorganisms. Availability airlock will allow astronauts to go outside the station. In addition, the «Search» Russia will be able to dock the spacecraft.

At present, Russia’s segment of the International Space Station consists of three modules: functional cargo block Zarya, Service Module Zvezda and the docking module «Pirs». The oldest unit — «Dawn» was launched into orbit in 1998. Behind him in 2000, followed by «Star». «Pierce» was attached to the station in 2001.

Print version