(NASA)
The astronauts opened the hatches between the Zvezda and Nauka modules on the International Space Station.
The multifunctional laboratory module Nauka has finally become part of the station and is ready for further work.
The Nauka module went into orbit on July 21, after which, having survived a malfunction in the fuel system, on July 29, it docked with the Zvezda module.
The first attempt to open the hatches between the modules was prematurely completed.
An abnormal situation arose, during which Nauka, using its engines, changed the orientation of the ISS.
After the incident, the teams corrected the situation.
On the evening of July 30, cosmonauts Oleg Novitsky and Petr Dubrov carried out two helium purges of the Nauka fuel system to remove fuel residues, while the entire crew was on the American segment for safety.
At 20:45 local time, the hatch separating the Nauka from the Zvezda module was opened, after which the cosmonauts went inside.
Now they will take air samples and install an air purification filter assembly.
It is expected that in September and November this year, the astronauts will conduct several spacewalks to dock cables between the modules and work with the European manipulator ERA.
All in all, 12 months are allotted for the full commissioning of Nauka from the date of launch.
The module will be used for various studies and tasks to maintain the functionality of the station, as well as provide a living room for one crew member.
Sources:
- Roscosmos: https://t.me/roscosmos_gk/1301