New Russian ISS module
Discussion
"On July 21, a new Russian science module named Nauka will launch to the International Space Station, followed by the July 23 undocking of the Russian Pirs module, and the docking of Nauka on July 29."
How to watch: https://go.nasa.gov/3B2A25y
Wiki article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauka_(ISS_module)
How to watch: https://go.nasa.gov/3B2A25y
Wiki article https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nauka_(ISS_module)
It seems the module is having engine problems. The engines have to fire 4 times to get it up to the ISS and the Russians are trying to get them going currently. If they can't, it'll reenter by itself after a while.
They've had several delays with this module over the years - it was supposed to be launched originally in 2007 I think. The biggest delay was caused by metal shavings in the fuel system.
It was due to dock with the ISS on July 29th & the plan is to replace the Pirs airlock module, which was added to the station in 2001. A Progress cargo spacecraft will remove the Pirs module and burn up on reentry. That part will likely be done on Saturday now, subject to how they get on with the engine problem.
Update: Well they got the engines going, so have started raising it from its parking orbit. The solar panels are deployed and so is the automatic docking antenna, so that side of things is ok. Hopefully it’ll be visible later. Might even see the Proton upper stage too.
They've had several delays with this module over the years - it was supposed to be launched originally in 2007 I think. The biggest delay was caused by metal shavings in the fuel system.
It was due to dock with the ISS on July 29th & the plan is to replace the Pirs airlock module, which was added to the station in 2001. A Progress cargo spacecraft will remove the Pirs module and burn up on reentry. That part will likely be done on Saturday now, subject to how they get on with the engine problem.
Update: Well they got the engines going, so have started raising it from its parking orbit. The solar panels are deployed and so is the automatic docking antenna, so that side of things is ok. Hopefully it’ll be visible later. Might even see the Proton upper stage too.
Edited by Beati Dogu on Friday 23 July 00:03
Wow, thanks for posting this. Entirely by chance one of my kids spotted the ISS as it came over us last Wednesday night, and we were very confused that it appeared to be being chased by two other bright objects on the same orbit. This almost explains everything, but why would I have seen two objects following it?
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