Science and Power Module for ISS

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Science and Power Module, NEM

Articles, illustrations and photography by Anatoly Zak | Editor: Alain Chabot

The Science and Power Module, NEM, (initial industrial designation 371KK63) was originally expected to be the most advanced component joining the Russian segment of the International Space Station. As its name implies, it was designed to carry state-of-the-art laboratory facilities and large power-generating solar arrays. NEM could also provide additional living quarters for the ISS, but in the early 2020s, Roskosmos made a decision to redirect NEM to the Russian Orbital Station, ROS, intended to succeed the ISS.

Previous chapter: Nauka module, MLM

NEM

Known specifications of the NEM module (as of 2013):

Spacecraft industrial designation(s)	575GK, 371KK63, 372P331 (as of 2024)
Launch mass	21 tons
Pressurized section volume	94 cubic meters (92 cubic meters as of 2021)
Free volume	30 cubic meters, 15 cubic meters (for cargo)
Number of work sites	12
Solar panel area	155 square meters
Power output	12 - 18 (at the beginning of lifespan) kilowatts
Propellant storage capacity	up to 1,300 kilograms (as of 2021)
Operational life span	No less than 17 years, including 2 years for pre-launch processing
Launch vehicle	Proton-M, Angara-5 (as of 2021), Angara-5M (as of 2024)
Prime developer	RKK Energia, Korolev

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DEVELOPMENT HISTORY

Origin of the NEM project

From the outset of the ISS project in 1993, the Russian Segment of the station was expected to include a specialized module combining functions of a laboratory and a power-supply station. However the original version of the vehicle stalled on the ground around 2001 due to lack of funds.

NEM in 2017: NEM to wait until 2021

In 2017, a full-scale prototype of Russia's new-generation space station module, NEM-1, began a series of extensive tests which would clear its flight-worthy successor for launch and a multi-year mission in orbit. However the project faced a likely launch delay until at least 2021.

NEM in 2020: Roskosmos continues work on NEM module (INSIDER CONTENT)

Overshadowed by the problems with the MLM Nauka module, the follow-on NEM, for the Russian ISS Segment also continued inching toward launch.

2021: NEM runs on multiple tracks (INSIDER CONTENT)

By the start of 2021, the partially completed NEM became the centerpiece of the prospective human space exploration in Russia, after the Kremlin's ambitious lunar program had faltered.

2022: NEM falls severely behind schedule (INSIDER CONTENT)

In July, the project management confirmed that NEM module failed to make the latest completion deadline, seriously damping Moscow's ambition to built its own alternative to the International Space Station, ISS.

2023: NEM prepares for space station role (INSIDER CONTENT)

In 2023, Roskosmos continued adapting the Science and Power Module, NEM, for a possible role as the cornerstone of the new station. However, the effort faced multiple financial, technical and programmatic challenges.

NEW, Dec. 12: 2024: Roskosmos goes ahead with upgrades to the NEM module (INSIDER CONTENT)

In mid-2024, Roskosmos approved the development schedule for the Russian Orbital Station, ROS, which detailed the latest plan for launching its first element – the 20-ton Science and Power Module, NEM.

SYSTEMS AND DESIGN

Overview of the NEM project (INSIDER CONTENT)

The NEM module introduced an entirely new spacecraft design, finally ending the reliance on the architecture of Vladimir Chelomei's TKS spacecraft, which had served as the basis for almost all Soviet and Russian space station modules exceeding 10 tons in mass.

Rebuilding NEM for Russian station (INSIDER CONTENT)

Plans for building a future orbiting outpost from scratch instead of separating its newest modules from the retiring ISS depended on converting the yet-to-be-launched NEM into the core of the future station. However, this strategy posed a number of major technical and financial obstacles.

NEW, Jan. 22: Ground processing of the NEM module (INSIDER CONTENT)

The new architecture of the Science and Power Module, NEM, developed as the first pieces of the Russian Orbital Station will mean a series of changes in the launch campaign with the 20-ton spacecraft.

Last update: September 11, 2024