First of all, the astronauts will have to unload about a ton of equipment delivered on the module
MOSCOW, July 21. /TASS/. Roscosmos cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Pyotr Dubrov will open the hatches to the multi-purpose laboratory module (MLM) "Science" a few hours after its docking with the International Space Station (ISS). This was reported to TASS in the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia.
"In accordance with the plans available at the Mission Control Center, the hatches will open 2-3 hours after docking," the corporation said.
First of all, the astronauts will have to unload about a ton of equipment delivered on the module. During the first spacewalk, the main operation will be the connection of cables that provide power to the MLM.
"The targeted use of the module will begin after the completion of its flight tests, the duration of which is one year," the RSC explained.
The module "Science" is intended for the implementation of the Russian program of scientific and applied research and experiments. After the MLM is put into operation, the Russian segment will receive additional volumes for the arrangement of workplaces and cargo storage, the placement of equipment for the regeneration of water and oxygen. With Nauka, Russian cosmonauts should get a second toilet, a cabin for a third crew member, as well as a European ERA manipulator, which will allow them to perform some work without going into outer space.
The launch of the MLM is scheduled for July 21, and the docking with the ISS is scheduled for July 29. The undocking and flooding of the Pier module is expected on July 23.
