According to an informed source, the promising Russian module "Science" for the ISS found new technical problems. Experts do not consider them fatal and do not plan a new postponement of the launch.
The module for the ISS "Nauka" has long turned into one of the main "long-term construction" of the rocket and space industry. One of the reasons is technical problems. As it became known, new problems have now been discovered on board the module.
They, however, should not affect his fate. "There are comments on" Science", but they are all eliminated, there are no fatal comments. There are comments on the electrics, and on the design, but they are relatively few, " said a knowledgeable source.
It is important to note that, according to him, the launch is still scheduled for April 30: previously, July was called as the launch month. According to another source, the exact date of the launch of "Science" has yet to be determined.
Earlier, the Russian space Agency reported that the "Science" has passed 80% of the checks on the territory of Baikonur. Among other things, the engineers tested the TV communication system and the antenna-feeder device of the TV system, as well as TV circuits and encoders. The specialists tested the sets of the temperature control system, the components of the propulsion system complex, the motion control and navigation system of the module, as well as the fuel system elements.
Computer image of the appearance of the Russian segment of the ISS after the connection of the module "Science»
Image source: wikipedia
"Nauka" means a lot for the Russian segment of the ISS. With an approximately ten-year service life, the module will ensure the operation of the Russian segment of the station until 2030.
The module will provide new, broader opportunities for conducting scientific and applied research and experiments. The launch of Nauka will also provide the Russian segment of the ISS with additional space where it will be possible to equip work stations, store cargo and place equipment for water and oxygen recovery.
Recently, the domestic segment of the ISS is increasingly facing various technical problems. Experts do not believe that they can pose a threat to the lives and health of the station's crew members, but the difficulties once again force us to talk about the state of the Russian equipment.
Recall that on the eve it became known about the release of one of the air conditioning systems — SLE-2-on the Russian segment of the ISS. The second-SLE-1-continued to work in normal mode.
Last fall, experts were looking for an air leak in the intermediate chamber of the Zvezda module. Also in October , there was smoke from the equipment.
