Russia Reveals Space Station It Will Build (PICTURES)  

In the post-ISS era

During an international military forum held in Moscow, Russia unveiled a mock-up of its new space station, which it is currently calling ROSS. In turn, Roscosmos revealed that the launch of the space station will take place in two phases, but without offering dates.

In the first phase, the station will start operation with four sections and in the second phase two more sections and a repair platform will be added. The station will be able to host up to four cosmonauts with plenty of scientific equipment.

Russian state media reports that the first phase will begin in 2025-2026, but in any case no later than 2030. The second and final phase is expected in 2030-2035. ROSS, at least with the current data, will not have a permanent presence of cosmonauts but will be staffed twice a year for long periods. The former director of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, has previously stated that ROSS will also be able to fulfill military purposes if necessary.

ROSS will be Russia’s first station in the post-ISS era. Roscosmos has announced that it will abandon the ISS, which was launched in 1998 and has been continuously manned since November 2000. It is a project led by the US and Russia, while Canada, Japan and eleven European countries participate. NASA in turn wants to continue operating the ISS until 2030, while Roscosmos has said it will honor their agreement and remain on the ISS until 2028.