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Mini-Research Module-2 Poisk

MIM-2, named Poisk («Поиск», “Search”), is a second docking module similar to Pirs, and can accommodate both Soyuz and Progress spacecraft with a passive docking port (probe-and-drogue) on its outward-facing end. It will dock to Zvezda’s zenith port. It has two workplaces for scientific equipment on the module’s external surface. It was formerly known as Docking Module-2, Стыковочный Отсек-2.

In his Expedition 20 NASA preflight interview on 6 May 2009, Roman Romanenko gives some details:

Q: According to the plan currently, shortly after your arrival there is a pair of spacewalks planned for Gennady and Mike to make. Tell me about what they’ll be doing outside the station, and what you will be doing inside to support that work.

A: Yes, during our increment there will be a lot of EVA activities; in other words, spacewalks. In addition to two Russian scheduled EVAs, there will be seven or eight EVAs by the shuttle crew members. They will need to perform a lot of tasks. However, the main objective for all EVAs is to outfit the ISS with all those elements and modules and hardware units that will ensure successful operation of a six-person crew on board the ISS. EVAs that will be performed by Gennady and Mike Barratt, those EVAs will also address the tasks of outfitting the Russian segment with the new Mini Research Module #2, delivery of which is scheduled for this year. We’re hoping that we will receive this module during our mission; it is scheduled for delivery at the end of summer, beginning of the fall. It will dock to the Russian segment and Gennady, during his EVA with his U.S. colleague, will have to route cables in order to ensure docking of this module.

[…]

Q: Another new component for the Russian segment of the space station is due to arrive before the end of the year. It’s called the Mini Research Module 2. Can you describe what that is for us and what that will add to Russian segment operations?

A: I think that this new module will be slightly larger than the Docking Compartment. However, it will provide additional vole for various experiments on the Russian segment. It may also be used as the additional airlock for EVAs, or a connecting module for subsequent addition of a larger, another larger module to the Russian segment. The reason why the name of this new module is Mini Research Module is due to the fact that this new addition to the station will house a number of scientific experiments that will be performed under the Russian space agency science program.

Poisk will deliver 800 kg (1,764 lb) of Orlan spacesuits and life support equipment on its launch to the ISS.

Full name:

МИМ-2: Малый Исследовательский Модуль-2 «Поиск»
MRM-2: Mini-Research Module-2 “Search”
MIM-2: Malnyi Issledovatel’skii Modul’-2 Poisk
Poisk: Fundamental technical characteristics
Launch mass 3670 ± 50 kg (8091 ± 110 lb)
Maximum hull diameter 2.550 m (8 ft 4 in)
Hull length between docking assembly planes 4.049 m (13 ft 3 in)
Pressurized volume 14.8 m³ (523 ft³)
Habitable volume 10.7 m³ (380 ft³)
Number of egress hatches (open inward) 2
Egress hatch diameter 1.000 m (3 ft 3 in)
Mass of delivered cargoes up to 1000 kg (2,204 lb)
Manufacturer Energiya
Designation 240GK No. 2L
Launch date 10 Nov 2009 at 14:22:04 UTC
Launcher Progress M-SO2 №302 on a Soyuz-U rocket
Docking date 12 Nov 2009 at 15:41:42 UTC

Diagrams

Related page: ISS overview, Docking Compartment-1 Pirs

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Poisk in orbit

Poisk docked to the ISS, 21 November 2009

MIM-2 propulsion compartment

View of MIM-2 Propulsion Module (PAO) undocking, 7 December 2009