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New Russian Module Adds Extra Airlock To ISS

Posted by timothy on from the which-door-to-choose dept.

bytor4232 writes: "I ran across this AP story on Yahoo about the new Russian module added to the ISS. Apparently this module will not only provide extra docking ports, but it will also serve as a backup to the U.S. air lock."

2 of 11 comments (clear)

  1. Re:How many shuttles at one time are going to be d by __aaaaxm1522 · · Score: 2

    Believe it or not, the Russian spacesuits are incompatible with the US airlock systems and vice versa - the US suits aren't compatible with the Russian airlocks. In other words, each suit must be prepped in it's respective lock. Hence the need for two distinct airlocks. Doesn't make much sense, does it?

  2. Re:How many shuttles at one time are going to be d by cmowire · · Score: 2

    Actually, that's not entirely true.

    The US airlock can host both Russian and US spacesuits. The Russian airlock can only support Russian spacesuits.

    The problem is that both spacesuits have different diagnostic gear, different mounting racks, different requirements, etc. So it adds greatly to the complexity to support both spacesuits. And neither country wants to give up their own spacesuits, so you hafta support both.

    --
    Gentoo Sucks