New Space Station to Orbit Earth by 2027
Moscow, Russia - Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, has revealed details about its plans to construct a new space station, dubbed the Orbital Service Station (ROSS). The first module of the X-shaped station, a power and research compartment, is slated for launch into near-polar Earth orbit in 2027. By 2030, the station will be fully assembled with four main modules, with two additional modules for "special purposes" expected to be attached in 2033. Roscosmos plans to send its first cosmonauts to the station in 2028, though the station is designed to operate autonomously if needed.
A Look at the New Space Station
A model of the station, unveiled in 2022 near Moscow, showcases its design. ROSS will orbit Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 kilometers, similar to the International Space Station (ISS), in a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit. This orbit is particularly advantageous for observing the entire planet's surface, according to Roscosmos. The estimated cost of the project is around $7 billion.
Angara A5 Rocket Crucial for Project
The construction timeline for ROSS is contingent upon the success of the next-generation heavy-lift Angara A5 rocket. This rocket has successfully completed three test flights to orbit since 2014, with a partially successful flight in 2021.
AI and Human Expertise Combined
While artificial intelligence (AI) will play a role in the construction of ROSS, human expertise will remain crucial, according to Vladimir Kozhevnikov, the lead designer for ROSS. "Artificial intelligence is a rapidly developing technology. We will use it for assistance, but fundamentally, we will still use our brains," Kozhevnikov stated.
A New Era for Russian Space Exploration
Another lead designer, Vladimir Solovyov from the Energia rocket and space corporation, indicated that ROSS will have unique goals. "We will set completely new, unprecedented objectives for Russian and foreign spacecraft, for example, providing guidance to a satellite constellation directly from the station," Solovyov remarked. This satellite constellation will operate in close proximity to the space station.
International Collaboration and Future of Space Exploration
Russia has been a key member of the ISS since its launch, working alongside NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA). While the ISS is expected to be retired around 2030, Russia might withdraw from the project several years earlier. With the new space station, Russia is considering collaborating with Brazil, India, China, South Africa, and several African nations.
Summary
Russia is moving forward with plans to build its own new space station, the Orbital Service Station (ROSS), marking a significant shift in its space exploration ambitions. This ambitious project is scheduled to begin in 2027 and involves constructing an X-shaped station capable of autonomous operation. The success of the Angara A5 rocket will be critical to the project's completion, while the integration of AI and human expertise will drive the station's development. With its unique objectives and potential for international collaboration, ROSS holds the promise of a new era for Russian space exploration.