tech
December 20, 2025
Russia is about to do the most Russia thing ever with its next space station
“Russia, meanwhile, will be left to carry on the legacy of the ISS, with all its problems.”
TL;DR
- Russia's ROS, initially planned with new modules launching in 2027, will now be constructed from the Russian segment of the ISS.
- The new station will orbit at a 51.6-degree inclination, similar to the ISS, making it accessible from Kazakhstan's Baikonur Cosmodrome.
- This shift is attributed to Russia's war-strapped economy, making major investments in new space projects unaffordable.
- Concerns exist about the safety and functionality of reusing ISS modules that are over 30 years old and have shown signs of degradation, including the presence of bacteria and fungi.
- The decision reduces the significance of the Vostochny Cosmodrome, Russia's new spaceport for manned flights.
- A stated justification for the orbit change is potential future collaboration with an Indian space station.
- Critics view the move as a cost-saving measure that leaves Russia with an aging station rather than modern capabilities, while competitors like China and NASA develop new stations.
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