(Roscosmos)
The multifunctional laboratory module Nauka made the final correction of the orbit using propulsion engines.
It is expected that the docking with the ISS will take place in the afternoon of July 29, according Roscosmos, the Russian space agency.
Nauka will replenish the Russian segment of the ISS and will be used both for various research activities in the fields of biology, physiology, astronomy, physics and materials science
The “Science” module will also help for maintaining the station's functionality, and provide a living cabin for one crew member.
The module is also equipped with the European robotic arm ERA.
The module was launched into space on July 21, but after entering the launch orbit, it had problems with the automatic docking system and the fuel supply system to the main engines.
The presence of problems was further confirmed by the European Space Agency.
After lengthy work, the specialists managed to restore the operation of the module's propulsion engines and to raise the orbit twice with their help.
Now, Nauka has made the final orbit correction using one of the propulsion engines and is heading to the ISS.
It is expected that the docking of the module with the Zarya module, from which the Pirs module undocked earlier, will take place on July 29.
Ria reported that the module would have only one opportunity to dock with the ISS due to problems with the fuel system. However, Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Rogozin denied this.
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