Launch Of Russia's Nauka MLM Module To ISS Postponed Until End Of 2020 - Rogozin

The launch of Russia's Nauka multipurpose laboratory module (MLM) to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed until the end of 2020, General Director of Russia's State Space Corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, said Thursday

MOSCOW (UrduPoint News / Sputnik - 23rd May, 2019) The launch of Russia's Nauka multipurpose laboratory module (MLM) to the International Space Station (ISS) has been postponed until the end of 2020, General Director of Russia's State Space Corporation Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, said Thursday.

"We are going to send a new module [to ISS] at the end of next year ... we have been unable to build it since 1995, and only now are bringing everything in order," Rogozin said at a meeting with students at the Moscow State University.

Nauka construction started in 1995. Initially, it was a ground backup of Zarya, the first ISS module.

In 2004, it was decided to cut costs for the Russian segment of the ISS and to convert the backup into a full-fledged flight module. Its launch was scheduled for 2007, but was repeatedly delayed.

Acceptance testing at the Rocket and Space Corporation Energia in 2013 revealed problems in the module's propulsion system, which included a leaking fueling valve that needed to be replaced and contamination, which would require a lengthy cleaning.

The module was subsequently returned to the Krunichev center for repairs.