ISS Russian Segment
Rassvet Mini-Research Module
|
MRM1 Rassvet in flight configuration |
Purpose:
- providing a port supporting the docking of Soyuz and Progress-type spacecraft with ISS;
- providing pass-through propellant transfer from Progress cargo transportation spacecraft through its own refueling lines supporting venting prior to the undocking with the transportation spacecraft;
- delivery of NASA cargo to ISS;
- providing areas for cargo storage, workstations and installation of scientific equipment for conducting experiments envisaged under a long-term program of scientific and applied research, after transfer of NASA cargoes from MRM1 to the US segment of the ISS;
- o delivery to ISS and storage of ressuply cargoes for Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) prior to their transfer to MLM: Airlock, radiator, elbow of the ERA robotic arm, portable workstation.
Key specifications
Parameter |
Value |
Mass within the Shuttle Orbiter, kg |
8 004 |
Maximum length (by mating planes of the docking assemblies), mm |
6 000 |
Maximum diameter of the body, mm |
2 205 |
Hatch passage diameter, mm |
800 |
Volume of the pressurized compartment, m3 |
≤ 17,4 |
Volume for cargo storage and scientific equipment, m3; including
- for scientific equipment integration, м3
|
5 3 |
|
MRM1 Rassvet general view:
1 - active docking assembly;
2 - docking TV camera;
3 - airlock;
4 - FRGF;
5 - additional radiation heat exchanger;
6 - docking target;
7 - PVGF;
8 - ERA manipulator elbow
|
Rassvet module made it possible to increase the working volume allocated for work with scientific equipment. After insertion into orbit, its payload package is complemented with the equipment that is needed to provide a wider range of services for conducting experiments.
Five multipurpose workstations are set up in the pressurized cabin. Four of them are equipped with scientific support equipment: a glove box, a multipurpose low-temperature biotechnology thermostat, a multipurpose high-temperature biotechnology thermostat, vibration isolation platform. The fifth workstation is equipped with adapters for installing scientific equipment (special sliding modular shelves).
Installation and assembly of scientific equipment into a specific workstation are conducted immediately in the course of the module operation within ISS. The total mass of scientific equipment installed in the workstations is more than 100 kg.
There are handrails inside the Rassvet module to provide restraint for the operator.
|
|
MRM1 in the Astrotech company premises
(USA, Florida)
|
MRM1 in the Atlantis Shuttle payload bay
|
Unlike other modules that are currently operating within the ISS Russian Segment, MRM1 was delivered into orbit onboard US Space Shuttle.
On May 14, 2010, Atlantis Orbiter carrying the Russian module was launched to the space station, and on May 18, using two robotic arms, (one located onboard the Orbiter, the other located onboard the ISS) Rassvet module was berthed to the nadir docking unit of the Functional Cargo Module Zarya of the ISS RS.
|
|
MRM1 transfer (on the left) and docking to FGB
|
|
After integration of Rassvet module into the ISS RS and delivery of scientific equipment by Progress-type cargo spacecraft, the module payload package equipment began to be used for implementation of experiments under a long-term program of scientific and applied research.
Module Rassvet as part of the RS ISS