The new module, known by its Russian acronym MLM, is intended to develop the functional and research capabilities of the ISS and to raise its economic efficiency through a broader range of services. It is to be launched on the back of a Proton rocket in 2009.

In designing the module, RKK Energia will draw on its now-deorbited station Mir and its Zvezda module, an upgraded model of Mir's core laboratory which served as a command and control center at the fledgling ISS.

It will also use equipment developed by the European Space Agency, such as the European Robotic Arm (ERA) manipulator and the DMS-R data management system.

RKK Energia manufactured components for the space stations Salyut (1971-1991) and Mir (1986-2001), and the Progress freighter, used for delivering cargo to ISS crews.

Company Press Release

S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia has secured an order from the Federal Space Agency to develop the Multi-Purpose Laboratory Module (MLM) for the Russian Segment (RS) of the International Space Station (ISS).

On November 3, 2006, a government contract for the MLM development activities in 2007 was signed by Roscosmos and RSC Energia management. According to the Contract, the Corporation is defined as a Prime Contractor for these activities. Subcontractors of the Project include M.V.Khrunichev GKNPTs, NIITP, RNIIKP, NIIAO, VNIIEM, NPP Kvant, NIIMASh, Submicron, and NPP Zvezda.

The aim of MLM is to extend the research, application and functional capabilities of the Russian Segment and increase its economic efficiency.

Its launch into orbit and commissioning as part of the Russian Segment is scheduled in 2009.

The development of MLM is based on RSC Energia's experience in new space technologies: Mir manned orbital station, ISS Russian Segment and Service Module Zvezda. For an efficient utilization, MLM will accommodate general-purpose and special-purpose workstations designed as replaceable payloads and onboard control systems based on up-to-date instruments and equipment.

MLM's internal layout will be optimized in order to save more space for scientific hardware and payloads. Some systems developed by the European Space Agency are planned to be accommodated in the module, i.e. ERA manipulator and multifunctional onboard computer DMS-R.