Russia Postpones OKA-T Free Flying Experiments Module

Artist's conception of the OKA-T spacecraft.

According to the Xinhua news agency, Russia has delayed the launch of its OKA-T free-flying experiments module, originally planned by 2015. The OKA-T is a 7.8-ton autonomous laboratory, designed for experiments in materials sciences, biology, medicine, nano technology, and other microgravity research areas. The spacecraft would fly in formation with the International Space Station (ISS). Periodic docking with the station it would allow for maintenance and experiment turnaround. The main advantage of an independent, free-lying laboratory is the fact that it would not be subjected to the vibrations of the ISS. The vehicle, whose development began in 2006, has been designed by TsSKB-Progress and RSC Energia. The launch of the laboratory will be delayed by two or three years, depending on the actual request of experiments.