The first launch of the Russian orbital station module is planned for 2027

The launch of the science and energy module of the Russian orbital station (ROS) is planned for December 2027. This was announced on January 28 by Vladimir Solovyov, Russia's general designer for manned space systems and complexes, general designer of RSC Energia, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

"We plan to launch the first module in December 2027," TASS quoted Solovyov as saying.

It is noted that ROS is needed to maintain a domestic manned presence in orbit after the International Space Station (ISS) stops operating.

Such a station will allow to work out the technologies that are needed to fly to other planets. Especially the developers emphasized flights to Mars.

A distinctive feature of the station will be a high-latitude orbit with an inclination of 96.8 degrees. Thanks to this inclination, the station can fly over the entire territory of Russia, as well as over the polar regions of the Earth, which was not possible on the ISS with its inclination of 51.6 degrees.

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On the same day, Roscosmos CEO Yuri Borisov said that Russia's orbital constellation should total about 650 state-owned satellites by 2030. According to him, the task of the national project is to strengthen domestic positions in space, as well as to help the industry become a driver in ensuring technological sovereignty.

Prior to that, last December, Roscosmos and NASA synchronized the likely completion dates of the ISS. Around the same period when the Russian Federation will withdraw from the ISS program, manned flights to the Russian orbital station will begin. It was noted that the first flights are planned from 2028, and the completion of the new station will occur at the turn of 2032-2033.