NASA Gives Space Contract to Russian Firm

NASA has signed a $46 million contract with RSC Energia, in Korolev, Russia, to supply and integrate hardware for the International Space Station.

Officials at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration headquarters in Washington said the basic contract includes $19 million to purchase a Russian-designed toilet system with a privacy enclosure, as well as additional space station equipment including a spare air pump used to conserve air when the crew exits the Quest airlock for a spacewalk.

The toilet system, similar to one already in use in the station’s Zvezda Service Module, is needed for the planned expansion from three to six crew members in 2009. The system will be able to automatically transfer urine to a U.S. device that can generate potable water.

The contract runs through December 2011 and includes funds to procure equipment necessary for routine maintenance.