The FGB (Zarya) was the first element of the station to be launched. It was hauled into space on top of a Russian Proton rocket launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on November 20 1998. Built in Russia (beginning in 1994) by the Khrunichev factory under contract from the Boeing Company, it will in the beginning be the cornerstone of the station. Until the Service module is launched (July 2000), the FGB will be responsible for keeping the station in orbit and in the right orientation. The module holds propulsion, guidance, communications, electrical power (3 KW), rendezvous and docking capability to the Service module and thermal control systems. Later in the construction phase of the station, Zarya will primarily provide storage space and its external fuel tanks will be used to store fuel throughout the lifetime of the station.

Modifications has been made to the FGB that was not in its original plans. These modifications will enhance the FGB's capabilities. The modifications include:

• greater attitude control functions
• orbital refueling potential at its nadir,
  or down-facing, docking port
• upgraded avionics
• additional docking capabilities

Modifications to the refueling system allows Zarya to accept fuel at its nadir port from the Progress, a Russian logistics re-supply vehicle, in the absence of the Service Module, a key station element that must work together with Zarya. Without this modification, fuel reception, storage and distribution would occur only when the SM is present through Zarya's aft port. Also, power will be added at the nadir port for a Soyuz crew return vehicle or a Progress vehicle.
Modifications to the aft port will allow docking of either the Russian Service Module or an Interim control module. The enhancements will provide additional backup capabilities for the early International Space Station.

Module information:

Orbit:

Related Info:
NASA | JSC | Shuttle | Shuttle-Mir | Mir

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