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SPK

Russia

Original archive entry. The text, images and links below are kept as they were written.

SPK MMU
SPK MMU
SPK Manned Manoeuvring Unit
Credit: Andy Salmon

Russian space mobility device, tested 1990. The Soviet Union developed a manned maneuvering unit and flew it from Mir in 1990.

The UMK weighed 218 kg. In case of a malfunction, it remained connected by a tether attached to a winch on an EVA mast installed near the Kvant-2 exit hatch of Mir. The UMK was used on only two EVA's, at distances of up to 45 m from the station. Unlike the shuttle MMU, it was only flown tethered to the station. Like the shuttle MMU, it was retired after a few tests.

Country
Russia