Multipurpose Laboratory Module
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The Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) will be a component of the International Space Station funded by the Russian Federal Space Agency. It has replaced the Universal Docking Module in the original ISS plans.
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[edit] First plans for the MLM
In the 1990s the Russian part of the ISS included several research modules that would be adjunct to Zarya and Zvedza. In the early 21st century, the structures to be launched changed. In August 2004 it was decided that the MLM would be built from the modified Khrunichev-built Functional Cargo Block (FGB-2), whose construction has been halted at 70-percent complete since the late 1990s. The FGB-2 was originally made as a backup for the original launch of the Zarya module, and as early as 1997 it was planned to be used as the Universal Docking Module (UDM) .
There was an alternate, rejected proposal for the MLM from RKK Energia based on the cancelled Commercial Enterprise Module (which was joinly funded by RKK Energia and SPACEHAB).
[edit] Work on the MLM and launch date
At the end of 2005 ESA agreed with the Russians that the European Robotic Arm will be launched together with MLM, mated on its surface for a later deployment in space.
In 2004 the Russian Federal Space Agency has said the MLM should be ready for launch in 2007 on a Russian Proton rocket. However since then, the MLM project has been delayed further, first to 2008 and later to 2009. A November 2006 ESA bulletin mentions that RSA is negotiating with the ISS partners to push back the prospective launch date to the end of 2009.
[edit] Usage
The MLM will be used for experiments, docking and cargo. It will also serve as a crew work and rest area. MLM will also be equipped with an altitude control system that can be used as a backup by the ISS. It will be either docked onto the Zarya control module or the Zvedza module side docking port.
[edit] Primary research module
The MLM will be Russia's primary research module as part of the ISS. Currently NASA's official plans still include a second research module in the size of the MLM. This module is however listed to be "under review", and may be cancelled, which would have the MLM be the only Russian research module.
It is proposed that the MLM includes a small free-flying capsule that can be detached from the station for experiments outside of ISS's microgravity environment.
[edit] Specifications
- Length: 13 m
- Diameter: 4.11 m
- Mass: 20,300 kg
[edit] Notes
[edit] External links
- Description of MLM (English) (Russian) - From the Khrunichev site; has some photos of the incomplete FGB-2
- Новости российского сегмента МКС - Nov. 2004 article (in Russian) discussing the plans for MLM - Warning: set your browser encoding to "Windows Cyrillic" to read this page
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|---|---|---|
| Already launched | Zarya · Unity · Zvezda · Destiny · Quest airlock · Pirs airlock |  |
| Launched periodically | Multi-Purpose Logistics Module | |
| Scheduled for Shuttle | Harmony (Node 2) · Columbus · Kibō · SPDM · Node 3 · Cupola | |
| Scheduled for Proton | Multipurpose Laboratory Module · European Robotic Arm · Russian Research Module | |
| Other subsystems | Integrated Truss Structure · Canadarm2 | |
| Canceled or unused | Interim Control Module · Universal Docking Module · Docking and Stowage Module · Habitation Module · Crew Return Vehicle · Propulsion Module · SPP | |
| Ships | Soyuz · Progress · H-II Transfer Vehicle · Automated Transfer Vehicle | |
| See also | assembly sequence | |
