ISS (NAUKA)
Nauka, the Russian Multipurpose Laboratory Module, was conceived as a major expansion of the ISS Russian segment. After a long development history, it launched in 2021 and docked to the station, adding laboratory volume, crew facilities and systems support. Its arrival became memorable when an unexpected thruster firing briefly changed the station's attitude before controllers recovered control.
Object identity
- NORAD ID
- 49044
- COSPAR ID
- 2021-066A
- Operator
- Not listed
- Country
- Not listed
- Launch date
- Not listed
Immediate discovery
Why this satellite matters
Nauka is a strong case study in guidance, docking dynamics and attitude control: even on a vehicle the size of the ISS, relatively small thrusters can create measurable rotational motion.
Understanding the mission
Science and engineering ideas
Nauka is a strong case study in guidance, docking dynamics and attitude control: even on a vehicle the size of the ISS, relatively small thrusters can create measurable rotational motion.
Mission
Mission and purpose
Objects in this category may be crewed stations, modules, cargo vehicles, or other spacecraft directly connected with human activity in orbit. The exact role depends on the individual object.
- Nauka is a strong case study in guidance, docking dynamics and attitude control: even on a vehicle the size of the ISS, relatively small thrusters can create measurable rotational motion.
Design
Engineering
Nauka is a strong case study in guidance, docking dynamics and attitude control: even on a vehicle the size of the ISS, relatively small thrusters can create measurable rotational motion.
Real orbital values
The mathematics
The current two-line element set reports approximately 15.4914 revolutions per day. Dividing 1,440 minutes by that value gives an estimated orbital period of 93 minutes.
Period
93 min
Representative speed
27,568 km/h
Representative altitude
426 km
Inclination
51.63°
Launch record
Launch and deployment
Nauka launched on 21 July 2021 aboard a Proton-M from Baikonur and docked with the ISS on 29 July after a multi-day rendezvous.
Orbit
LEO orbit explained
Low Earth orbit is the region closest to Earth used by most crewed spacecraft, many science missions, Earth-observation satellites, and large constellations. Objects move quickly and commonly complete an orbit in roughly 90 to 130 minutes.
LEO can provide detailed Earth views, lower communications delay, and easier access than higher orbits, but it covers less area per spacecraft and is more affected by atmospheric drag.
Live TransitSatellite experience
See ISS (NAUKA) moving now
Open the live tracker to view its current calculated position, trajectory, orbital information, visibility tools, and Save and Share controls.
Learning
Questions to explore
- Why do low-orbiting stations circle Earth many times per day?
- How do crews receive power, supplies, and communications in orbit?
Evidence
Sources and data notes
Current identity and orbital elements come from CelesTrak’s public GP data. Calculated orbit values are derived from the current TLE and may change after catalog updates. Mission-history claims are added separately and require authoritative sources.
Catalog updated
Sep 17, 2026, 7:50 AM UTC
Story review
1970-01-01T00:00:00.000Z