ISS Control Module (FGB) Completion Ceremony

Filed 1/17/98

On Jan. 17 a ceremony and press conference was held at Khrunichev for the completion of the International Space Station Control Module (formerly know as the FGB). Some of the remarks are detailed below. Throughout the ceremony the module was still referred to as the FGB by both Russian and NASA officials.

The FGB flight article sits behind the Russian & US officials. Protective covers have been put over the radiator and propellant tanks areas.

The FGB and its launch shroud (on left) and the Khrunichev Mir mock-up in the background as participants gather for the event.

Khrunichev and Boeing directors exchange the signed certificates signifying the end of FGB preparations and most of the US part of the project.

Anatoli Kiselev (Director of Khrunichev): "Who would have thought that after 50 years of competition with Boeing in heavy bombers and ballistic missiles that we would be signing the certificate for the FGB module for the International Space Station (ISS)...dozens of design bureau and factories took part in its construction including RKK Energia."

"The US side insisted on the addition of 900 kg. of extra micrometeroid protection"

"A cargo module based on the FGB [the previously proposed LTV]...make it possible to launch 9000 kg. of cargo - equal to 4 Progress'...and I think we will continue to work on this..."

Yuri Koptev (Head of the Russian Space Agency): "We are lagging behind somewhat [on Service Module], there are financial problems, but on Jan. 14 President Yeltsin made decisions that will allow us to fulfill obligations to the ISS."

"Last year we fulfilled about $200 Million in Service Module funding and funds in the same amount are due this year. Adding previous years development [back to the days it was called the Mir-2 core module] its total costs will be $800 Million."

"Out of $250 Million planned in last year [for Service Module work], only $180 Million were received, the remaining $70 Million has been taken into account in this years budget. This increases this years budget by 30%...[Even with these problems] I believe that the wishes of the country will be fulfilled."

Randy Brinkely (NASA Prog. Mgr. ISS): Brinkley praised the abilities of Khrunichev, the staffs professionalism and capabilities to make significant and complex changes to the software, refueling and electrical systems of the FGB in only 1 year. The FGB cost was a little over $200 Million. The Russian side will continue to pay for sustaining engineering support, launch [as well as modifications dictated by continuing Russian development of the Service Module].

William Shepherd (ISS-1 crew): "The FGB not only connects the Russian technical apparatus and the American equipment [of the ISS] but also connects the technical culture of the two countries."

Robert Cabana (STS-88 Commander): "The STS-88 crew has just completed a week of training on the FGB" [in preparation for their docking with the module later this year].

The Control Module (FGB) being approached by the shuttle in an animation of the planned STS-88 mission to attach Node-1 beginning the assembly of the International Space Station.

The shuttle RMS grapples the Control Module and guides it as the shuttle docks it to Node-1.