The Russian space agency, "Roscosmos", revealed for the first time a physical model that shows the shape of its new space station, which it intends to launch in the coming years, after announcing its intention to withdraw from the International Space Station after 2024.

The station's miniature model was recently shown at an exhibition of the Russian military industry in Moscow, and it was called "Rus".

The station appeared - according to different media - equipped with different units that emanated from a central axis in 4 directions and were surrounded by various solar panels.

While the Oryol spacecraft, the new supply ship that Russia plans to launch next year, was seen moored at the station's model.

What is the new Russian space station made of?

The design of the space station upon completion of its construction includes 7 separate units for the 16 units that make up the International Space Station, including the basic, scientific and portal units.

According to a press release published on the agency's website, the station will include, in the first phase, 4 units with a total volume of 228 cubic meters that will be able to accommodate a crew of two people.

In the second stage, it is planned to supplement the Russian orbital station with target and production units as well as a service platform.

As a result, the total volume of the plant will be increased to 667 cubic meters to accommodate a crew of 4 people.

However, unlike the International Space Station, Ross will not have permanent residents throughout the year.

Instead, it will host astronauts twice a year for extended periods.

What are the main tasks of the station?

The Russian space station project is still shrouded in secrecy, but according to a report published on the “Inverse” website, citing Russian media, the station will most likely rotate at higher latitudes than the International Space Station, which will provide it with a better view of the polar regions, which Russian researchers can analyze it using optical, infrared and ultraviolet instruments.

"Ross" space station will include 7 different units after its completion (French)

The Ross station is likely to be used to map the northern sea routes as climate change is increasingly melting sea ice, especially since Russia's borders cover about 53 percent of the entire Arctic Ocean coast.

The station will also be used - according to an official in the Russian Agency - in cosmic ray experiments, testing new space technologies, and research in space science and nanotechnology.

This is in addition to allocating one of the station's units for space tourism.

Some observers do not rule out that the station will also be used in the distant future as a launching pad for future missions to the Moon and Mars, and perhaps also to perform a military role such as harboring weapons to destroy satellites.

When will it be launched?

Although the Russian agency has not yet set official dates for the launch of its new space station, Russian media reported, according to a report by the “Interesting Engineering” website, that the launch of the first phase is planned to take place during 2025 and 2026 and will not exceed the maximum date. 2030. The second and final phase is scheduled to be launched between 2030 and 2035.

The work of the International Space Station continues to the end of the decade despite Russia's withdrawal (Getty Images)

However, the timetable does not seem realistic, according to the “Inverse” website, as previous experiences have shown that the establishment of such huge projects suffer from great delays. The idea of ​​​​establishing an international space station, for example, was proposed since the mid-1980s, and its construction was not completed until 2011. .

Some experts believe that the launch of "Ross" will need a miracle to take place on time, especially in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine and the sanctions resulting from it.

Meanwhile, "NASA" and its partners will continue to operate the International Space Station until the end of the current decade, in parallel with the operation of the "Artemis" program, which it intends to launch soon with its European partners to land on the moon.

China will have completed the construction of its Tiangong space station, which is expected in 2023.

These factors will push Russia to avoid any possible delay in the program of its new space station, using its experience previously gained at Mir and then at the International Space Station.