MIRNEWS.298    22 APRIL 1996

Launch Priroda:

The planned launchdate/time for the Module Priroda is 23.04.
1996 at 11hrs 48mins 43secs UTC. If all goes according to plan
the Priroda will dock to MIR (forward docking port transistion
section -P.Kh.O.-, -X axis) on 26.04.1996 at 1203UTC.

Priroda:

The module for remote sensing Priroda is also known
as TsM-I and 77KSI. In space Priroda has a mass of 19.5 tons.
The mass of the payload is 10.5 tons, among which 1.2 tons as
a supplement for the equipment of the MIR-complex, the remote
sensing equipment has a mass of 4.7 tons and Priroda can
transport 1.8 tons cargo. The original planning foresaw in a
solar array in the front of Priroda (axial), but the place of
the array is now used for the installation of extra equipment
and experiments. So during the autonomous flight Priroda has
to depend on the nickel cadmium accumulators for her powersupply.
Priroda must have an active lifetime of more than 3 years.

Cargo:

Priroda will also deliver additional equipment to the
MIR station, experiments for Shannon Lucid and the SAFEX-2
transceiver for radio-amateuractivities.

Chris v.d. Berg, NL-9165/A-UK3202.