Soyuz launches MIM-2 to ISS

[Rick]

A Russian Soyuz rocket has launched carrying a new docking compartment for the International Space Station (ISS).

The four-tonne Mini Research Module-2 (MIM-2) will act as an additional docking port for spacecraft and an airlock for spacewalks.

More: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/sci/tech/8352905.stm

[Rick]

A new Russian module has arrived at the International Space Station today, providing the orbiting outpost with an much-needed extra parking spot for its expanded crew of six.

The unmanned Russian Mini-Research Module 2, also known as Poisk, docked to the space-faring port of the Zvezda service module on Thursday 15:41 GMT (10:41 EST). It used an automated radar-guided system to rendezvous, two days after launching from Kazakhstan.

More: http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/12/iss_poisk_docking_module/