RSC Energia has unveiled the Russian space tug "Matros," which will be able to work on the future Russian Orbital Station. The assistant for ROS was developed by students and teachers of the advanced engineering school of Bauman Moscow State Technical University "System Engineering of Rocket and Space Technology."
The Small Automated Transporter of the Russian Orbital Station, also known as "Matros," will be able to transport cargo with an approximate weight of about 100 kg. It will also be useful to cosmonauts for launching and returning small satellites and experiments outside the ROS.
A group from Bauman Moscow State Technical University presented their idea at the Energia accelerator in 2022. It received the main prize of 1 million rubles and the support of the best experts from the rocket and space corporation. As a result, "Matros" grew from a concept to a development in 3 layout options and the selection of the most rational one. Also, during this time there were:
- the characteristics of the nodes and units of the small transporter were determined;
- a full-scale model was made;
- a VR simulator for docking "Matros" to the ROS was created;
- a program of experiments on working out the technology on the ISS was prepared, according to which expert recommendations were received on finalizing the program.
Thanks to this, the project can be finalized and appear in space in a few years.
This year, the RSC Energia accelerator is also being held and it is fully connected with ROS. Applications are accepted until April 30. The winners will receive not only expert support, but also project funding. The prize fund this year for projects of Russian inventors is 3.2 million rubles.
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