Pilot-cosmonaut and Hero of Russia Mikhail Kornienko explained the activation of the engines of the Russian multipurpose laboratory module (MLM) "Science" on the International Space Station (ISS) by a computer control malfunction. In an interview with " Lenta.<url> " he noted that this incident does not pose any danger.
Russia [...] will investigate the incident with the activation of the engines of the Nauka module on the ISS. NASA engineers will also take part in the proceedings, said Joel Montalbano, head of the ISS program at NASA.
The 20-ton multifunctional laboratory module Nauka docked to the Zvezda module of the ISS on July 29 after an eight-day flight. After a successful docking with the ISS, when the crew opened the hatch of the module, the engines of the Nauka turned on unscheduled, which caused the station to turn 45 degrees.
Later, control over the module was returned. To stabilize the ISS, the engines of the Russian Progress spacecraft were turned on. There was no threat to the crew at the same time. According to the general director of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin, the main cause of problems with the MLM fuel system was not a blockage, but a marriage.
As a precautionary measure, after the incident with the Nauka module, NASA postponed the test launch of the Starliner spacecraft to the ISS. According to Boeing representative Steve Yurchik, the launch will take place no earlier than August 3. However, according to Dmitry Rogozin, at the moment there are no reasons for concern, and the situation is under control.
"Are you looking for conspiracy theory? She's not here"
Mikhail Kornienko in a conversation with " Lenta.ru " suggested that, most likely, automation is to blame for turning on the engines. He put forward the theory that the failure was due to a software error of the on-board computer.
"Are you looking for conspiracy theory? She's not here. No one is behind this, this is some kind of malfunction in the automation, most likely, of the on-board computer. Something from the field of computer control, an error crept in there, " the cosmonaut explained.
He said that the situation with the ISS turnaround is not critical. "This is unpleasant, of course, but it does not affect the work of the crew in any way," Kornienko added.
"Both MCC [Mission Control Center] see this freelance engine activation — both Houston and Moscow. And the crew sees it too. The response is instant, and this situation does not carry any danger. Simply disconnect the valves on the engines, they will turn off, and then you need to restore orientation. This sometimes happens, there is nothing terrible here, " the cosmonaut concluded.
Earlier, the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, announced the launch of a new Russian module to the ISS. According to him, the module was named "Berth", and its launch is tentatively scheduled for November 24. It will be attached to the "Science" and will expand the possibilities of docking Russian ships with the ISS, including the new "lunar" ship "Eagle".
Victoria Nemis
