FGB-2 "Nauka"

[Satanic Mechanic]

It show how much I am out of it.  The Russians are doing a long spacewalk today to prep for the Nauka MPLM which is replacing the PIRS module later on this year.  I thought FGB-2 was canceled but I guess my information was wrong.  I am surprised that the Russians are dumping the PIRS and not moving it from its nadir point to the zenith point of the Russian side.  Work space is work space and PIRS could have been used like Leonardo

SM

[evancise]

I wish I could explain why they're dumping Pirs.  I don't think they have the capability to relocate it, though.  I know it was also only built and certified for short duration. 

Next year should be very interesting for the Russians.  Not only is the MLM (aka FGB2) showing up, (looks like Aprilish) but next year their new Node is ALSO supposed to show up.  They've got over a dozen spacewalks in the next 12 months as well to outfit and connect everything.  Talk about a major expansion of real estate and research space!

[Satanic Mechanic]

Ed,
Thanks for the reply.  Scratch my comment about the PIRS being moved, it looks like the zenith port is already occupied.
Did we pay for Nauka like we paid for Zarya? 
Also, I noticed that Nauka will have its photovoltaics deployed once connected, do you know if the power output is the same output as Zarya or is it improved?

SM

[evancise]

Did we pay for Nauka like we paid for Zarya? 

No, the Russians paid for Nauka.

Also, I noticed that Nauka will have its photovoltaics deployed once connected, do you know if the power output is the same output as Zarya or is it improved?

That I don't know.  Although I could be "cute" and say that since Zarya's arrays are now retracted, it's a good bet that Nauka will produce more power. 
I can tell you, though, that the US solar arrays will be providing the Nauka a lot of power.  Its arrays are not enough to power all its hardware.  The benefits of an international partnership - we can leverage off each other.

SM
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