Quote from: Danderman on 11/14/2011 11:38 pmIs the radial port for the airlock really APAS? At one time, it was probe and cone, back when this article was FGB-2, but now its a bit of mystery what mating system will be used for the airlock. Since the airlock is already in orbit, attached to Rassvet, there are no good photos of its docking mechanism, so its all a mystery to me.In this MLM A/L preflight photo, an APAS docking collar is clearly visible.
Is the radial port for the airlock really APAS? At one time, it was probe and cone, back when this article was FGB-2, but now its a bit of mystery what mating system will be used for the airlock. Since the airlock is already in orbit, attached to Rassvet, there are no good photos of its docking mechanism, so its all a mystery to me.
In May 2012, Russia will launch the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MPLM), a new room to be added onto the space station's Zvezda nadir port, replacing the Pirs docking compartment currently there. Nauka will house science experiments and cargo and will be used for docking, as well as work and rest areas for the crew.
From space.com:QuoteIn May 2012, Russia will launch the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MPLM), a new room to be added onto the space station's Zvezda nadir port, replacing the Pirs docking compartment currently there. Nauka will house science experiments and cargo and will be used for docking, as well as work and rest areas for the crew.They're off their rocker, right?
Noticed in the Russian launch schedule that some slip has been added from a May launch to a Sept launch?
There is a discussion in the NK forum about another delay for the MLM. Apparently, Roskosmos has not ordered the launcher for MLM yet, and Energia's design for MLM outfitting is not the same as the Roskosmos requirements.
Quote from: Danderman on 03/15/2012 04:55 pmThere is a discussion in the NK forum about another delay for the MLM. Apparently, Roskosmos has not ordered the launcher for MLM yet, and Energia's design for MLM outfitting is not the same as the Roskosmos requirements. the date slipped the other day. Now into 2014
Quote from: Danderman on 03/15/2012 04:55 pmThere is a discussion in the NK forum about another delay for the MLM. Apparently, Roskosmos has not ordered the launcher for MLM yet, and Energia's design for MLM outfitting is not the same as the Roskosmos requirements.http://www.rosspending.ru/fk/contract/0025907000259/What did they do with this one?