The Scientific and Energy Module (NEM), which is considered by experts as the first module of the promising Russian Orbital Station (ROS), is now in a high degree of readiness, according to the Executive Director of Roscosmos for manned programmes Sergey Krikalev.
“The module is in a high degree of readiness at RSC Energia, and we must determine how it can be used as efficiently as possible in the interests of Russian cosmonautics,” Krikalev said.
He noted that initially NEM was conceived as the last module of the Russian segment of the ISS, but, taking into account the prospects for the completion of operation of the station in the coming years, the question arose about the feasibility of sending the module to the ISS and the possibility of its use as part of the ROS.
According to the Executive Director, the final decision on the module will be made based on the results of the preliminary design, the completion of which is scheduled for the second half of 2023.
As previously reported, Russia is considering the possibility of creating a new national station, which will replace the ISS.
On December 21, the Head of Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov, said that the ROS project has not yet received funding, materials on the need for its construction will be presented to the President and the government of the Russian Federation next year.
On October 23, Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov, said that the cost of creating the ROS will be determined based on the results of the draft project in the second half of 2023.
According to the general designer, the NEM as the first ROS module can be put into orbit by the Angara-A5M launch vehicle in 2028.
Ru-Main, 26.12.2022
Source: Interfax
