New post in space - Russia wants to station its own space station in space from 2027
Russia will begin building its own space station in 2027. In that year, the first module of the facility will be launched into space, Roscosmos announced on Tuesday. By 2030, the core of the station is expected to be complete, consisting of four units: a module for research and energy supply, a transfer, a base, and a universal connection module. The expansion of the so-called Russian Orbital Station (Ros) is planned from 2031 to 2033 through the addition of two further construction units.
Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov justified the approved timeline with the allegedly poor condition of the International Space Station (ISS). "Everyone knows very well what condition the ISS is in," he said at the signing of the timeline. "And the most important thing: we cannot afford to take a break in manned spaceflight."
Dispute over the International Space Station
Originally, the now over 25-year-old ISS was supposed to be decommissioned. However, the operating times have been extended several times. The ISS is currently expected to remain in orbit until at least 2028. The US Space Agency NASA, as well as the European Space Agency ESA, have expressed their interest in continuing operation beyond that in the past. However, Russia, after beginning its military conflict with Ukraine and the resulting tensions with the West, announced its withdrawal from the joint project "after 2024." It was then announced last year that Russia would remain on board until 2028.
Russia's space program, according to Borisov, does not limit itself to the construction of the Ros, but also includes the creation of the necessary infrastructure with the spaceport Vostochny, new carriers, and spacecraft. Contracts for the construction and testing of the rockets have been signed, Roscosmos announced. Russia plans to invest approximately €6 billion in the construction of the station. The use of Artificial Intelligence was also announced by the chief designer of the Ros, Vladimir Kochegov.
- Russia's decision to build its own space station in 2027 will likely have significant impacts on the international space travel industry, potentially leading to new partnerships or rivalries among space-faring nations.
- The first module of this Russian Orbital Station (Ros), scheduled for launch in 2027, will contribute to the expansion of international space travel capabilities, joining the existing International Space Station (ISS) in orbit.
- The International Space Station, despite facing multiple extension periods, has become a subject of dispute between participating nations, with Russia's withdrawal from the project after 2024 raising concerns about the future of international space travel collaboration.
- The International Space Station, currently expected to remain in service until at least 2028, will continue to serve as a hub for international space travel and scientific research, despite tensions between Russia and other participating nations.
- The Russian space industry, led by Roskosmos, will see significant investments in infrastructure development, such as the Vostochny spaceport, new carriers, and spacecraft, further enhancing Russia's capacity for international space travel and collaboration.
