Nauka launched by Proton-M

Video from the channel SciNews about Proton, linked on its Above Ten Thousand entry. Duration: 8:17. Language: English. Video type: Launch.

A Proton-M launches the Nauka multipurpose laboratory module toward the International Space Station. The video combines an English-language explanation of the flight profile with footage of the ascent and the Russian control audio.

The first stage uses six RD-275 engines producing almost two million pounds of thrust (about 8.9 MN) and burns for about 2 min 4 s; it separates at around 42 km altitude and about 6,300 km/h. What look like attached boosters are actually tanks built into the stage, which burns hypergolic propellants. The second stage's four engines — three RD-210 and one RD-211 — ignite an instant before separation and burn for about three and a half minutes. The second stage separates at 5 min 31 s, at about 120 km and nearly 16,000 km/h, and 13 seconds later the fairing opens into two halves. The third stage, with a single RD-212 burning for nearly four minutes plus four vernier engines that continue for 12 s after it shuts down, completes the insertion.

Module separation is planned for 9 min 40 s, at about 200 km altitude, to begin an eight-day journey of gradual orbit raising toward an automatic docking with the station. At the end, the deployment of the solar panels and the navigation antenna is confirmed.