Nika awaits stacking inside of the Launch Checkout center in the Cosmodrome.
The past few months have seen a slowdown in space activities by Usniya as political tensions have risen throughout the region. However, the Usniyan Space Program has announced that it intends to begin a return to full activity starting with the launch of Flowrisa's Nika Space Laboratory Module within the next week. Usniya and Flowrisa jointly developed the module, designed to be launched to Usniya's native-built space station. Both programs hail the module as a great achievement, claiming it to be the most advanced space lab yet developed.
Usniya tested the first of its new Nukliyon Rockets earlier this year - the same type that will launch Nika.
A few months ago, the Cosmodrome got a new addition to its stock of launch vehicles- the Nukliyon. This deceptively-named rocket is the keystone of Usniya's growing space efforts, created for the now-in doubt Inter-Federational Space Agency. The Nukliyon is a flexible, multi-core rocket that brings Usniya's launch capabilities into the 20-60 ton range, far greater than it's predecessor, the Yastrob's 28 ton maximum.
The Nika Module's mission role has brought a certain uniqueness to its design. The station it will be launching to is by no means brand new. in fact, the Usniyan Space Program currently plans on deorbiting within the next five years, far too short a life span for such an well-invested-in new design. Therefore, the Nika was built to have autonomous, self-sufficient cababilities allowing it to undock from the Usniyan space station and remain dormant in orbit for up to two years until a new station can be sent up for it to call home. If Nika is a success, then it is quite clear that the future holds great promise for the Usniyan and Flowrisan Space Programs. Both agencies have placed their stake on it as a demonstration for the beginning of a new era in spaceflight, and with its success, it is hoped that a new wave of international cooperation can be begun for the exploration of our solar system...
Artists' impression of Nika in orbit over Svetlyak on its way to the space station.