Russia's New Research Module for ISS delivered to Cape Canaveral

One of Volga-Dnepr Airlines’ Antonov 124 aircraft delivered the Russian MIM-1 research module destined for the International Space Station from Moscow to Titusville, Florida on 16 December for Russia's ENERGIA Rocket and Space Corporation.

MIM-1 is an abbreviation for Small Research Module-1 designated for the Russian segment of the International Space Station. Loading of the module and accompanying supplies onboard the AN-124-100 commenced at Moscow-Ramenskoye Airport on 15 December and continued for six hours. Despite the cold weather conditions, the required special temperature was maintained in the aircraft's cargo bay during the loading process. On 16 December, the AN-124 Ruslan with the MIM-1 module onboard departed to Titusville. Strict environmental conditions were maintained throughout the flight to protect the highly sensitive cargo, with APU running to heat the cargo bay to the required level.

The overall weight of the shipment totaled 53 tons. The module will now be subjected to a number of tests before being launched to the ISS in May 2010.