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Launch of Nauka module scheduled for May 2021, but can be postponed to July

"In case of any concerns, even slightest ones, we will not take chances," the Roscosmos chief said

MOSCOW, December 30. /TASS/. The launch of the Nauka multi-functional laboratory module to the International Space Station is scheduled for May 2021, but can be postponed to July if necessary, Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin said on Tuesday.

"So far, we are still eyeing the May launch window," he said in an interview with the Komsomolskaya Pravda radio. "But in case of any concerns, even the slightest ones, we will not take any chances. We have no right to put the launch at risk now. In this case, we will postpone it to July."

According to the Russian space official, the Nauka module project now proceeds according to the schedule.

Khrunichev Space Center Deputy CEO for Production Khokhlov said on July 31 that the research module would undergo a cycle of tests at the Baikonur space center before its launch to the ISS. All launch preparations would take nine months, he added.

In his words, the stage of electrical tests takes about six months, with all preparations included. Another three months will be necessary for pre-launch preparations, including microbiological protection, fueling and other operations.

The Nauka multi-functional laboratory module can generate oxygen for six people and regenerate water from the urine. The Nauka will provide a second toilet for Russian cosmonauts (the first is located in the Zvezda module) and a room for the third crewmember. It will also use the European Robotic Arm (ERA) that will help perform certain operations without spacewalks.

Roscosmos chief notes high quality of Vostochny space center’s construction

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Earlier, it was reported that Ukraine had developed a UAV with a range of up to 3,000 kilometers

Russian stock indices rising on Friday

The MOEX Russia Index edged up by 0.44%, the RTS Index surged by 1.13%

American Abrams tanks vulnerable even to Soviet-era weapons, says expert

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Russian instructors help train over 10,000 Central African troops — CAR president

According to Faustin-Archange Touadera, since becoming the president, his actions have been guided by the need "to modernize the army and take into account new challenges"

US assured Israel that Iranian drones will be intercepted — US journalist Hersh

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Russian government increases customs duties on beer from unfriendly countries

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NATO discussing transfer of ‘deep precision strike capabilities’ to Ukraine — Stoltenberg

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US House passes procedural vote on Ukraine aid bill

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Ukrainian president admits Russian troops’ advancement

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Armenia’s relations with Russia not at their highest — top diplomat

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West can’t comprehend Russia’s resilience — Lavrov

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Russia delivers 34 strikes on Ukrainian military infrastructure over week — top brass

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Iran may target Israeli nuclear center in Dimona in case of Israel’s attack — TV

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Press review: Ukraine, Israel vie for EU’s attention and Georgia passes controversial bill

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Kiev lacks both troops and equipment near Chasov Yar in DPR, says retired general

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Russia's revenues from oil exports remain high despite price ceiling — IMF

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US-led coalition’s aircraft violate Syrian airspace 13 times in past day

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Proposals on Russian assets confiscation undermine financial system — Finance Minister

Russia urges the International Monetary Fund to resume the effort of improving the global monetary and financial system, Anton Siluanov noted

Russia can join top three countries by lithium reserves — governor

Infrastructure is required to implement the investment project, both power transmission lines and the railroad, Andrey Chibis noted

Ukrainian trace obvious in Crocus City Hall attack — Russian prosecutor general

The law enforcement employees exert efforts to identify the instigators of this crime, Igor Krasnov said

Russian economy positively influences neighboring countries — Deputy PM

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Shoigu orders additional tank protection sets for Ukraine operation

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No plans to ‘get involved in combat role’ in Ukraine, White House official says

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Military base near Iran’s Isfahan hit following attack — newspaper

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Izvestia correspondent Semyon Eremin killed in special operation zone

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West wants to make Transnistria hotbed of tension — Lavrov

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MFA says Kiev legalizes capture of country by making agreements with Warsaw

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Switzerland does not suit Russia for negotiations on Ukraine — Lavrov

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Russian investigators start inquiry into financing of terrorism by US, NATO officials

Investigators have established that the funds that were received through commercial organizations, such as the oil and gas company Burisma Holdings operating in Ukraine, have been used to carry out terrorist acts in Russia and abroad

Three Ukrainian soldiers swim across Dnieper to surrender to Russian troops — governor

Vladimir Saldo called on other Ukrainian servicemen to switch to the Russian side and request the corresponding assistance

Russian forces destroy Ukrainian army’s aircraft park near Nikolayev — defense ministry

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FACTBOX: Collective Security Treaty Organization

The Collective Security Treaty came into force on April 20, 1994 to herald the emergence what would eventually become the Collective Security Treaty Organization. The six member-countries are Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan

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Russia open to help resolve situation in Sudan — ambassador

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Iran says drones downed over Isfahan launched from country's territory

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G7 leaders to decide on Russian assets use — Italian Deputy PM

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West frightens voters by 'Russian threat' to win elections — Lavrov

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