Putin sets 2027 deadline: Russia has 3 years to construct a space station

On Thursday, October 26, Russian Federation President, Vladimir Putin, visited the "Energia" Rocket and Space Corporation center in Korolev near Moscow. He declared that by 2027, Russia plans to have the first segment of its very own orbital station in space.

The International Space Station (ISS) is nearing the end of its lifespan and despite its numerous scientific contributions, it will eventually need to be decommissioned. NASA anticipates this will most likely take place in 2031, with the remaining parts that aren't incinerated upon re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere plunging into the South Pacific's waters.

Following the cessation of the ISS program, Russia does not plan to adopt NASA's model which involves utilizing space stations and laboratories launched by private, large-scale space companies. Instead, Russia opts to follow in China's footsteps, which currently operates its own space station. The Moscow government views constructing its own space station as the logical progression post their involvement in the ISS program.

Putin conferred with space industry officials, designating 2027 as the target year for launching the initial segment of the new space station. He also assured the continuance of the Russian lunar program in spite of the Luna 25 probe's catastrophic crash in August. Putin highlighted that the innovative station "should utilize state-of-the-art scientific and technological achievements, and be equipped to handle future tasks".

In spite of substantial costs and sanctions levied against Russia due to their aggression towards Ukraine's independence, Roscosmos maintains its celestial aspirations. Yuri Borisov, the head of the corporation, disclosed that the subsequent moon flight following the Luna 25 mishap could potentially be rescheduled from 2027 to 2026.

Russia intends to conclude its participation in the ISS program by 2028, hence Putin's ambition to have the first segment of the new space station orbiting Earth by 2027 at the latest. Extensive work on the station's assembly and installation should commence by 2024, thereby ensuring that Russia's space plans proceed on schedule.