Long-delayed Russian module for ISS facing more problems

A long-delayed Russian module for the ISS is facing more problems.

The Multi-Purpose Laboratory Module, also known as Nauka, was originally set to be added to the ISS in 2007, but has been grounded by a variety of issues, including contamination of its propulsion system.

Technicians have found more contamination in its main propellant tanks recently, which were built in the early 1990s and cannot be easily replaced.

It’s unclear how long this problem will delay the module’s launch, currently planned for late this year or early 2018. [Popular Mechanics]