The Russian space agency has presented a physical model of a projected Russian-built space station, indicating that Moscow is serious about leaving the International Space Station (ISS) and heading it alone.
After the west imposed sanctions due to the invasion of Ukraine, Russia wants to lessen its reliance on western countries and go ahead on its own or collaborate with countries such as China and Iran.
On Monday, Roscosmos unveiled a space station model, dubbed “Ross” by Russian official media, during a military-industrial show outside of Moscow.
Yuri Borisov, the Roscosmos chief nominated by President Vladimir Putin last month, stated that Russia will leave the ISS after 2024 and try to create its own space station.
The International Space Station (ISS) was launched in 1998 and has been continuously manned since November 2000 as part of a US-Russian partnership that includes Canada, Japan, and 11 European countries.
NASA, which intends to keep the ISS operational until 2030, says it has not yet received official confirmation of Russia’s planned exit and initially assumed Moscow would participate until 2028.
Roscosmos stated that its space station would be launched in two phases but provided no dates. A four-module space station would be operational in the first phase. It noted that this would be followed by two more modules and a service platform. It will be large enough to house up to four cosmonauts and research equipment when completed.
According to Roscosmos, the station will provide Russian cosmonauts with a broader perspective of Earth than their existing portion. Although plans for some portions of the station are complete, development on other segments is still ongoing.
According to Russian official media, the first stage will be launched in 2025-26, no later than 2030. According to reports, the second and last stage is scheduled to begin in 2030-35.
As envisioned, the space station would not have a permanent human presence but would be occupied twice a year for extended periods.
Dmitry Rogozin, the previous head of Roscosmos and a war hawk known for his harsh anti-Western remarks, has stated that the new space station could have a military function if necessary.