Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1)

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The Mini-Research Module 1 (MRM1) is the newest addition to the International Space Station (ISS) manifest. Scheduled to fly in 2010 onboard the STS-132 Shuttle mission, this Russian built cargo module if flown, will likely be docked to the nadir port of Zarya with help from the SSRMS.^[1]. If MRM1 is added to the space station, then the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) will likely be on the nadir port of Zvezda and Node 3 will come to reside on the port hatch of Unity.^[2] The MRM1 will carry outfitting equipment from NASA for the Multipurpose Laboratory Module, a spare elbow joint for the European Robotic Arm and a radiator. This enables NASA to fulfill its promise to ship the 1.4 metric tons to equip the MLM to the ISS.^[3] When this module arrives, it will mark the completion of the Russian segment of the ISS.

The module will be built from the already-made pressurized hull of the mockup for dynamic tests of the cancelled Science Power Module^[4] and will be primarily used for cargo storage and docking with the ISS. It will have two docking units: one for docking to the nadir port of the Zarya module and one for docking of the Soyuz TMA and Progress spacecraft. It replaces the last of the 2 planned Russian Research Modules in the original design of ISS.

[edit] Benefits

This module came to exist out of two requirements that needed to be fulfilled by the ISS partners:

1. NASA needed a system to carry the MLM outfitting equipment into space, which it was under contract obliged to do.
2. The Russian Research Module was still in limbo, it seemed unlikely it would ever launch. However without this module, after installation of Node 3 the nadir port of Zarya would become unusable. This would leave ISS with just three docking ports for vehicles that use the Russian docking mechanism^[5]. With Progress, Soyuz and ATV as well as overlapping missions of those three that would have been a problem.

The new MRM solved these issues. NASA doesn't need to create a whole payload rack, but can just attach its materials to the MRM1; the ISS will have 4 docking ports available; and Russia can easily cancel the Research Module without much consequence for the whole of ISS, if needed.

[edit] References

v • d • e Components of the International Space Station Major components in orbit Zarya (Functional Cargo Block) · Unity (Node 1) · Zvezda (Service Module) · Destiny (Laboratory) · Quest (Airlock) · Pirs (Airlock / Docking Module) · Harmony (Node 2)  · Columbus (Laboratory) · Kibō (PM, ELM-PS) Other subsystems in orbit Integrated Truss Structure (ITS) · Canadarm2 (MSS) · Dextre (SPDM) · Kibō Remote Manipulator System · External Stowage Platforms (ESPs) · Pressurized Mating Adapters (PMAs) Launched periodically Multi-Purpose Logistics Modules (MPLMs) Scheduled for Shuttle Kibō (EF, ELM-ES) · Node 3 · Cupola · Mini-Research Module 1 · ExPRESS Logistics Carriers (ELCs) Scheduled for Proton Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM) · European Robotic Arm (ERA) Scheduled for Soyuz Mini-Research Module 2 Canceled or unused Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer · Centrifuge Accommodations Module (CAM) · Interim Control Module (ICM) · Universal Docking Module (UDM) · Docking and Stowage Module (DSM) · Habitation Module · Crew Return Vehicle (CRV/ACRV) · Propulsion Module · Science Power Platform (SPP) · Russian Research Module (RM) Support vehicles Space Shuttle · Soyuz · Progress · Automated Transfer Vehicle · H-II Transfer Vehicle (HTV) · Dragon · Orion ISS assembly (sequence)