The brand new space station is a technological marvel that is both incredibly exciting and daunting; a vessel that promises to transport mankind further than ever before imagined. Packed with the latest in space exploration technology, state of the art facilities and ample living space, the space station is sure to bring awe, wonder and truly amazing experiences.
Russian space rocket company Energia (RKK Energiya) said that. It intends to complete the construction of the new space station. It is the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS). The project is planned for 2032.
It will be completed ahead of schedule (it was thought to be ready by 2035). The announcement was made by the chief designer of the infrastructure, Vladimir Kozhevnikov.
Long process
“The date of the launch of the first module is considered for 2027. And the completion of the ROSS deployment will be in 2032,” said Kozhevnikov. It happened in an interview with Rossiyskaya Gazeta newspaper.
Earlier it was reported that ROSS will be built in two stages between 2028 and 2035. The also deputy general engineer of the company gave more details. He noted that RSC Energia expects to complete the preliminary design of the new station by the northern summer of 2023. Construction may begin in 2024.
It will be a long process to fully assemble ROSS. The volume of its pressurized compartments should be 450 cubic meters. The total mass of the station will be 135 tons, he detailed.
In the second stage, he specified, a transformable module can be introduced. This will fly to the folded station and open in orbit. In addition, it will be possible to place a centrifuge in that module.
“We are also planning to recover lost technologies that were not used during the construction of the ISS (International Space Station). The same power gyro complexes, for example. And the same high-power power supply,” he stressed.
Meteor defense
Kozhavnikov added that, on the ISS, “the gyroscopes are only in the U.S. segment. The main electricity also comes from there.” But the Russian orbital segment also has its own power production.
It is assumed that, in the initial stage of deployment, ROSS will operate in parallel with the ISS. The flight duration of the first crews will be up to 240 days. Then the expeditions will be organized in a visit format and the new space station will be able to accommodate up to six astronauts.
For protection, the ROSS modules will be clad with a multilayer armor of anti-meteorite screens. Man’s presence outside our planet will undoubtedly continue to increase.
