Technology
Aeronautics /
astronomical incident
Russian module Nauka fails and makes International Space Station out of position
Estação Espacial Internacional (NASA)
Divulgação/NASA
Rafael Ramos
8/2/2021
An unusual technical problem meant that, shortly after docking at the International Space Station (ISS) at the end of July 29, the Russian Nauka module inadvertently fired its thrusters, causing the entire laboratory to move out of its position range.
The torque generated by the Multipurpose Laboratory Module (MLM), or Nauka, meaning science, caused the ISS to tilt 45°, which led to a loss of attitude control – the ISS's orientation relative to the Earth. Control was lost for about an hour, until the Nauka's thrusters were turned off due to lack of fuel. Earth's communication with astronauts aboard the ISS was also lost for 11 minutes.
Flight controllers activated the module's thrusters in service of the ISS, pushing the station in the opposite direction so as to place it in its normal orientation.
Estação Espacial Internacional (NASA)
Divulgação/NASA
According to Joel Montalbano, head of NASA's International Space Station Program, there was no damage to the station and no danger at all for the seven crew members.
"Space flight is difficult, and when we bring in new capabilities, failures can occur, which is why we prepare and train for these contingencies," said Kathy Lueders, associate administrator for NASA's Directorate of Human Exploration and Mission Operations.
The incident did not cause any problems on the ISS, but the launch of the Boeing Starliner's screwless test flight, which was scheduled for Friday (07/31) was delayed.
MLM, ou Nauka, módulo russo
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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