MLM-U Nauka

Nauka, also known as the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM), is a new module of the International Space Station (ISS), Russian segment. The MLM is funded by the Roscosmos State Corporation. Nauka is to be used initially for experiments, docking, and cargo. It will also serve as a crew work and rest area. Nauka will be equipped with full guidance and navigation control including engines and an attitude control system that can be used as a backup by the ISS. It will be docked onto the Zvezda module's nadir (Earth facing) docking port. Outfitting equipment launched in 2010 with the Rassvet (Mini-Research Module 1) on NASA's STS-132 will also be used for Nauka, the spare elbow joint for the European Robotic Arm (launched with Nauka), internal hardware and an experimental airlock will be positioned on one of the side-facing ports at the bottom of the module. The new module will contain crew quarters with life support equipment including atmospheric processing, a galley, and a toilet.