Russia To Build Own Space Station By 2033: Plan Unveiled

As the International Space Station (ISS) nears the end of its operational life, Russia’s state space agency, Roscosmos, unveiled plans to build its own independent space station by 2033. On 23rd July, Yury Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, approved a comprehensive schedule for the creation of the Russian Orbital Station (ROSS), Roscosmos’ press office announced.

The Timeline Of Building Russian Space Station

According to the Russian news agency TASS, the plan includes launching the first research and energy module in 2027. By 2030, the universal nodal, gateway, and baseline modules will be added to create the main part of the space station. From 2031 to 2033, two special-purpose modules (TsM1 and TsM2) will be added to complete the project.

Additionally, the plan involves testing new spacecraft, building carrier rockets, and developing ground infrastructure. It also includes work by space industry research institutes to support the project.

The Russian orbital service station will orbit at the same altitude as the ISS, approximately 250 miles (400 km) above Earth.

How Much Will It Cost?

The ambitious project of building the Russian independent space station is estimated to cost 608.9 billion rubles, which is about $6.98 billion.

The idea for the Russian Orbital Station was first suggested in April 2021. By October 2022, Roscosmos Chief Borisov estimated the project’s cost to be 609 billion rubles until 2032, with 150 billion rubles (about $1.7 billion) allocated for the first three years.

Additional Contracts And Partners

Roscosmos recently signed contracts to start research and development on the space segment of the orbital outpost, the next-generation manned spacecraft, and the Angara heavy carrier rocket that will service the station. By the way, the ROSS construction schedule also depends on the success of this rocket, which has undergone three successful orbital tests since 2014 and partially failed in 2021.

The project welcomes international cooperation, with Russia inviting African countries and BRICS member states to help build the station.

Russian Space Station And ISS

In mid-2022, following the invasion of Ukraine and increasing tensions between Russia and Western countries, Roscosmos announced it would withdraw from the ISS program “after 2024.” After that, Russia announced that it would remain on the ISS until 2028.

Though the timeline for leaving the ISS is still unclear, the schedule shows that the Russian space agency is determined to advance its own interests. Roscosmos aims to focus on security and scientific development, which they believe has been limited by international agreements on the ISS.