Intended use of Mini-Research Module Poisk
Research load complex (RLC) of Mini-Research Module Poisk (MRM2) is designed to conduct scientific experiments among those foreseen under the Long-Term Program of scientific-applied research (SAR) on the International Space Station Russian Segment (ISS RS), as well as handle operations with commercial payloads during Extravehicular activity (EVA).
Based upon the existing research priorities and the created built-up backlog on scientific equipment to be carried by the module (after its putting into opertion), it is possible to conduct 10 new experiments in the 4 fields of research under the most recently-approved version of the Russian Long-Term Program of SAR, in addition to those 89 space experiments, which are currently under way on Service Module (SM) Zvezda and docking module Pirs (ISS RS). Among these new experiments are "Kulonovskiy Kristall", "Membrana", "Aseptik", "Restavratsia", "Kontrol", "Mutatsia", "Tribokosmos", "Kvarts-M", "Sektion EDK", "Perspektiva-KM".
Furthermore, in order to reduce functional load on onboard hardware of Service Module, the pressurized compartment of Module Poisk can be used to continue conduct of experiments known as
"Bioemulsia",
Plazma Kristall",
"Nanosputnik",
"RadioSkaf",
as well as a number of biological and biotechmological experiments to be carried out by means of onboard glove box (equipment Glavbox-5). At the present time, these experiments are being carried out onboard SM and DC1.
New Module RLC will operate assisted by the resources provided by its own onboard systems and SM service systems. RLC incorporates multipurpose workstations for conducting experiments, mechanical adapters for equipment installation, scientific apparatus to electrical (data) interfaces of the Module.
Volume of 0.2 m3 is allocated in the pressurized compartment of Module Poisk to accommodate scientific apparatus there. For visual examinations and observations via instruments the use is made of its two windows of 228 mm in diameter in the clear. Provision shall be made for connection of equipment to the existing onboard sockets and channels of telemetry data transmission. Multipurpose workstation (MWS) with a mechanical interface as a passive basepoint is created for installation of scientific apparatus on the Module external surface. Electric power, control, monitoring state of apparatus installed on MWS are provided by using the existing resources of Service Module.
Scientific equipment (apparatus) as part of RLC will be delivered to the ISS RS by transport cargo space vehicles Progress and installed in Module Poisk after it starts operating within the ISS RS.
In accordance with the used procedure of changeable payloads, accommodation, connection and activation of scientific apparatus on the Module Poisk will be implemented by stages as it becomes available for service throughout 2010 and subsequent years, on the basis of available workstations and required resources existing on the Module.