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ZARYA CONTROL MODULE (FGB)

Zarya (Sunrise) Control Module, also known as FGB, which stands for Russian abbreviation of Functional Cargo Block, became the first element of the ISS to be launched. The idea of the module was proposed by Khrunichev Enterprise. The Zarya/FGB is based on the TKS spacecraft originally developed for the canceled project of the Almaz military orbital station. Before its reincarnation as the Zarya/FGB, the TKS had flown as the transport ship, resupplying the Salyut-6 and 7 space stations. TKS design also heavily influenced the development of four add-on modules of Mir space station. Finally, the TKS structure was integrated into the design of the Polyus spacecraft launched in the first mission of the Energia booster in 1987.

ZVEZDA SERVICE MODULE (SM)

The Zvezda service module is Russia's main contribution into the ISS project. The spacecraft was originally conceived as a core of the space station, which would follow Mir. In 1993, the Russian Space Agency, facing financial uncertainty with its Mir-2 project, offered NASA to incorporate the core module into the design of the US space station. The spacecraft would provide living quarters as well as refueling capability to the fledgling space station. In the original NASA design, several Space Shuttle launches were required before, the space station would be ready to accept its first crew. Even after that, the station's orbit correction would completely depend on the Shuttle.

DOCKING COMPARTMENT (SO)

The Docking Compartment provides a hatch one meter in diameter and the airlock for the space walks from the Russian segment of the station. (NASA plans its own, larger airlock attached to the US segment of the outpost) The Docking Compartment will also provide a third docking port for the Russian transport ships heading toward the station. The concept of the module was originally developed for the Mir-2 project. The module was expected to remain on the Zvezda's nadir docking port until the arrival of the larger Universal Docking Module, UDM, which would became a hub for four additional modules, including the second Docking Compartment. By that time of UDM arrival, the Docking Compartment-1 would be discarded.

SCIENCE AND POWER PLATFORM (NEP)

The concept of the Science and Power Platform, NEP, originated in the Mir-2 project, where a special truss was expected to carry an array of solar panels, power-generating concentrators, radiators and scientific payloads. The truss would extend symmetrically on both sides of the Mir-2's core module. After Russian Mir-2 and NASA's Freedom programs merged in 1993, NEP was reconfigured to meet goals of the new project. Original plans called for the NEP launch onboard Zenit booster, however, political problems in Russian relationship with Ukraine, where Zenit is manufactured, prompted a switch to the US Space Shuttle in 1994. (More info)

UNIVERSAL DOCKING MODULE (UDM)

Universal Docking Module, UDM, would serve as a hub for four additional modules of the Russian segment. It is intended to dock to the nadir (Earth facing) docking port of the Zvezda service module. On the opposite (bottom) end, the UDM would have a transfer section with four docking ports for science modules and Docking Compartment-2. The UDM would also carry a powerful additional life-support system, which would allow the increase of the long-duration crews onboard the ISS. Since mid-1990s, the development of the module has stalled due to lack of funds.

ENTERPRISE

At the end of 1999, the US-based Spacehab Inc. announced a joint venture with RKK Energia aimed to build the first privately financed and operated module for the ISS. The spacecraft originally targeted for launch at the end of 1992, would feature "a multimedia studio" for commercial broadcasts from orbit. Before the module could become a reality, Spacehab had to address multiple issues, among them cool reception from NASA and lack of energy and communication capabilities onboard the Russian segment. The considerable funds had to be also raised to finance the project.

FGB-2

Although Khrunichev's contract with Boeing on the construction of the Zarya control module financed only single module, the Moscow-based company used spare parts and its own funds to build a backup spacecraft in case the original Zarya fails in the launch mishap or in orbit. By the time, Zarya, also known as FGB-1, successfully docked with Zvezda service module in July 2000, the FGB-2 back up module was about 65 percent ready. Khrunichev considered several potential roles for the craft in the ISS program, including its use as a heavy supply ship for the Russian segment. In mid-2000, Boeing announced that it partnered with Khrunichev to "commercialize" FGB-2. The move put Khrunichev/Boeing team on a collision course with RKK Energia and Spacehab, who claimed the same docking port (nadir port on Zarya) for their Enterprise module at the end of 1999.

STOWAGE AND DOCKING MODULE (MSS)

Additional stowage module could be docked to the nadir (Earth-facing) port of the Zarya control module. However, RKK Energia and Khrunichev respectively proposed the Enterprise module and Commercial Space Module, CSM, to replace the original stowage module.

SCIENCE AND APPLICATION MODULES

At least two modules specifically dedicated to the science research were planned to be docked to the Universal Docking Module, UDM. One of the modules could be built by the Dnepropetrovsk-based KB Yuzhnoe as the Ukrainian contribution into the ISS. In any case, RKK Energia was expected to serve as main subcontractor on the project.