At the Baikonur Cosmodrome, active preparations are underway for the Proton-M carrier rocket launch with the Nauka Multipurpose Laboratory Module, scheduled for July 21, 2021. Roscosmos publishes the logo of the new Russian module of the International Space Station and its description. The logo has a traditional look coherent with those of Russian crewed missions. Nevertheless, some of its elements might need additional clarifications.
The Nauka Multifunctional Laboratory Module is pictured against the globe in the background in the very center of the emblem. The module is depicted in its operational configuration: with the ERA (European Robotic Arm) manipulator deployed, open porthole, and an airlock. The Russian tricolor encircling the module is referring to its origin. The name of the module (НАУКА, lit. ‘science’) is placed along the circumference of the emblem together with the year of its launch, the launch site (БАЙКОНУР, the Baikonur Cosmodrome) and the Proton-M carrier rocket (ПРОТОН-М) to take it into near-earth orbit.
The ellipses of three crossed orbits (stylistic interpretation of the orbitals of electrons in an atom) additionally refer to the scientific purpose of the module. The orbits are topped by the logos of Roscosmos and the head enterprises-manufacturers of the module – the Khrunichev Center and RSC Energia, both parts of Roscosmos.
