Roscosmos’s plans to launch four key modules to form a new orbital station in the coming years signify the beginning of a new stage in the space race, according to Brandon Weichert, senior editor for national security at The National Interest. “The fact that Moscow is announcing such a tight timeframe should be a real cause for concern in Washington, as it seemingly has no realization that the space competition has already begun, and they are losing it,” the article quotes him as saying. The author of the material believes that the appearance of the new station demonstrates a substantial shift in Russia’s space doctrine, aimed at strengthening its sovereignty and reducing dependence on international allies. “If successfully implemented, Moscow will retain the ability to conduct manned missions in low Earth orbit without outside help, instead of constantly depending on the aging US-led International Space Station. <…> The new station’s significant orbital inclination, as well as its reconnaissance and surveillance potential, give it high strategic value for Russia,” Weichert added. Russia is actively working on the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS) project, which is expected to ensure the continuity of the manned program after the ISS ceases operation. The launch of the first module is tentatively scheduled for December 2027. Five more elements, including two target modules, are planned to be put into orbit by 2032. The ISS, whose assembly in orbit began in 1998, was originally intended to operate for 15 years. Subsequently, this period was extended to 2020, and then to 2024. At the moment, the Russian side has extended the operation of its segment until 2028, while the other partner countries have announced readiness to work until 2030. According to the head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Bakanov, the future Russian orbital station will serve as an important “transfer point” for future missions to the Moon.
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