Russia unveils ambitious $7B plan for new orbital space station
3:36 PM EDT, July 23, 2024
The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has unveiled plans to build a new space station, likely to be named the Russian Orbital Station (ROS). The goal is to send the first research and energy module into space in 2027, with the first astronauts arriving at the station in 2028.
According to a statement from Roscosmos, the construction of the Russian space station will cost approximately $7 billion. Russia plans to send its first module into space within the next three years. Additional modules are expected to be delivered in 2030, forming the main part of ROS. The second phase of the station's construction is scheduled for 2031-2033, during which two specialized modules, named TsM1 and TsM2, will be added.
The Russians will build a new space station
As reported by the Russian state news agency TASS, the overall schedule for creating ROS includes conducting flight tests of a new spacecraft, developing launch vehicles and ground infrastructure, and the work of space industry research institutes that will support the project. Space.com, however, points out that the construction schedule depends on the Angara A5 launch vehicle. This next-generation rocket has had three successful orbital flight tests since 2014 but recorded a partial failure in 2021.
According to Space.com, the Russian space station may orbit at the same altitude as the International Space Station (ISS), roughly 250 miles above Earth. It will likely be placed in a polar orbit, which Roscosmos believes is ideal for observing the entire planet while offering the opportunity to "view" the Northern Sea Route. This route connects Asia with Europe along the northern coast of Russia and holds significant political importance for the Kremlin.
The Russians first announced their intention to build their space station in 2021. At that time, they wanted to create a facility that would be the successor to the Mir space station, built by the Soviet Union and deorbited in 2001. In 2022, following the outbreak of the war in Ukraine, they stated they were planning to leave the International Space Station after 2024. Russia claims it will remain involved in the ISS program until 2028.
