Russia could begin the deployment of its orbital station after 2024 – Science & Space

MOSCOW, November 26. / TAX /. Russia could deploy its own orbital service station, manned by two or four cosmonauts, after 2024, said Vladimir Solovyov, first deputy CEO of Energia Rocket and Space Corporation, according to the Scientific Russia website.

“[Vladimir Solovyov] also presented the project for a Russian orbital service station (ROSS), currently under development by RSC Energia “, the site reads.” According to Solovyov, its implementation is expected after 2024 “.

The executive explained that the new station will consist of three to seven modules and could be operated by a crew of two or four. The station will also be able to operate autonomously.

“The cosmonauts will work on the shift station in order to reduce crew radiation exposure and operational costs,” he said.

According to Solovyov, ROSS will serve a number of purposes, including remote surveying, research, experiments, communications, navigation, man-made disaster detection, geological surveys, participation in educational projects, forest monitoring, and space tourism.

The success of Russia’s priority goals in space depends, among other things, on the orbital station’s plans, the official said. He added that this type of station enjoys advantages such as open architecture and unlimited lifespan, thanks to the replaceable modules.

In May, Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Rogozin revealed that Russia must begin development of a new orbital station. According to the CEO, it is currently unclear whether it will be inhabited or visited, or whether it will be national or international.

Rogozin noted at the time that the need for a new station stems from the fact that the ISS, in his view, will only operate for another 7-10 years, due to fatigue of the facility and limited resources of the modules. The new station will somewhat resemble the Mir Space Station, decommissioned in 2001. Previously, Solovyov had revealed plans to install a module for four space tourists on the new Russian space station, which will be equipped with WiFi, among other things.