Russia unveils $9.5 billion space station project for 2027 launch
The Russian space agency Roscosmos has unveiled a plan to build a new space station, which will most likely be named the Russian Orbital Station (ROS). The Russians aim to send the first research and energy module into space in 2027 and anticipate 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 CAD 9.5 billion. Russia plans to send its first module into space within the next three years. Additional modules are expected to be delivered in 2030. Together, they will form the main part of ROS. The second phase of the station's construction is scheduled for 2031–2033. During this phase, two specialized modules named TsM1 and TsM2 will be added to the structure.
The Russians will build a new space station
As reported by the Russian state news agency TASS, the overall schedule for the creation of 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 400 kilometres above Earth. It will most likely be placed in a polar orbit, which Roscosmos believes is an excellent location for observing the entire planet while also providing 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 expressed a desire to create a facility that would be the successor to the Mir space station, which the Soviet Union built 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.
