Russian Orbital Station (ROS) Development

[cohberg]

https://x.com/katlinegrey/status/1996951812184604715
Dec 5, 2025 6:36 AM
After #ISS is decommissioned, Russia and India are agreeing to put their future space stations (#ROS and #BAS) on the same orbit inclination, said Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, during a visit to New Delhi. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov added, it will be 51.6°.

https://x.com/katlinegrey/status/1996971212157727121
Dec 5, 2025 7:53 AM
[This was announced] in press, here: https://rbc.ru/politics/05/12/2025/6932b39e9a794780ea22919f and here: https://ria.ru/20251205/stantsija-2060153502.html

https://x.com/katlinegrey/status/1997048297698062818
Dec 5, 2025 12:59 PM
Rumors say, the new plan for ROS is to undock Nauka and Prichal after the #ISS is decommissioned and add the new #NEM (Science Power Module) module to it.
📷is mine. The hull of the flight model of NEM in 2021.

[JSz]

So, to summarise the changes to the publicly available concept for ROS:

1. The orbit will no longer be polar at 98 degrees, but will be the same as the ISS (51.6 degrees),

2. All modules were to be new, because those from the ISS cannot be used in polar orbit, but now only NEM-1 will be new (and in the distant future perhaps also NEM-2), while the rest will come from the ISS (primarily Nauka and Prichal).

I suppose we will hear about a few more similarly radical changes.

[clongton]

In my (uninformed) opinion, Russia is simply trying to maintain a presence in space once the ISS is decommissioned by reusing those 2 modules and adding a brand new 3rd. It seems to me that, that is a dubious short-gap solution to a national PR situation. The Soviet Union ushered in the space age and now for Russia to have no national presence in space would be a huge embarrassment. And I can sympathize with the situation. But those modules are old and well beyond their intended operational life. If they follow thru with this plan it would not surprise me to see them have continual difficulty with their "new" station. For the Cosmonauts sake that serve aboard the station, I sincerely hope that I am wrong.

Just a quick and totally non-partisan observation: If Russia were not still entangled in a war, she could free up SO much more resources and create a brand-new state-of-the-art national station. Here's hoping that condition comes to fruition sooner rather than later.

[Nighthawk117]

Just a quick and totally non-partisan observation: If Russia were not still entangled in a war, she could free up SO much more resources and create a brand-new state-of-the-art national station. Here's hoping that condition comes to fruition sooner rather than later.

Sorry Chuck. Even though I have great respect for you, I have none for Russia today.

Putin made his bed.  Now, Russia has to sleep in it.  That is their destiny.

[ralfvandebergh]

Nauka is a pretty big module, I captured it during its automated flight to the ISS in 2021, it almost looked already like a little space station and was pretty bright too. Solar arrays are visible, especially in the last part of the pass. Full resolution (or click image): https://forum.nasaspaceflight.com/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=53721.0;attach=2445807;image

Ralf

So, to summarise the changes to the publicly available concept for ROS:

1. The orbit will no longer be polar at 98 degrees, but will be the same as the ISS (51.6 degrees),

2. All modules were to be new, because those from the ISS cannot be used in polar orbit, but now only NEM-1 will be new (and in the distant future perhaps also NEM-2), while the rest will come from the ISS (primarily Nauka and Prichal).

I suppose we will hear about a few more similarly radical changes.

[JSz]

It is also worth remembering that the Nauka and Prichal modules are new, but only in the sense that they were added to the ISS in 2021. However, Nauka was built as a spare for the Zaria module and was 80% complete in 1998. After that, its purpose kept changing, it underwent several reconstructions, and in the meantime, a number of faults were detected in it. In any case, it is not a brand new module. Only NEM will be a new one.

[ralfvandebergh]

Good point, I believe it launched with a 14 year delay, originally planned in 2007.

It is also worth remembering that the Nauka and Prichal modules are new, but only in the sense that they were added to the ISS in 2021. However, Nauka was built as a spare for the Zaria module and was 80% complete in 1998. After that, its purpose kept changing, it underwent several reconstructions, and in the meantime, a number of faults were detected in it. In any case, it is not a brand new module. Only NEM will be a new one.

[russianhalo117]

Good point, I believe it launched with a 14 year delay, originally planned in 2007.

It is also worth remembering that the Nauka and Prichal modules are new, but only in the sense that they were added to the ISS in 2021. However, Nauka was built as a spare for the Zaria module and was 80% complete in 1998. After that, its purpose kept changing, it underwent several reconstructions, and in the meantime, a number of faults were detected in it. In any case, it is not a brand new module. Only NEM will be a new one.

Even before that as Zarya and Nauka were originally procured in the early 90s as TKS resupply ships for Mir-2 (the large resupply and station keeping role was replaced by the ATV contribution as a barter) in place of Progress. Only in 1994 did they become FGB and FGB-2 (see for module development chronology) and enter the assembly process. After the successful launch of FGB, FGB-2 was mothballed awaiting reassignment and conversion which ultimately became Nauka.

[TheKutKu]

Well,at least Prichal hardware is quite more recent and it even has genuine use alone since it could be used instead of the new UM/Node that was planned for the previous ROS plan.

[russianhalo117]

Well,at least Prichal hardware is quite more recent and it even has genuine use alone since it could be used instead of the new UM/Node that was planned for the previous ROS plan.

Nope, UM will be replaced with UUM to address structural issues discovered during the development of the original spacecraft. Prichal will undock with Nauka. See RSW Subscription Paywalled Articles:
https://russianspaceweb.com/protected/ros-um.html
https://russianspaceweb.com/protected/ros-2025.html#december

[JSz]

Top image: Earlier, ‘rich’ concept of ROS.
Bottom image: ROS according to the latest concept. From left: Nauka, Prichal and NEM-1. Soyuz/Progress at the top and bottom.

Graphics by Anatoly Zak (RussianSpaceWeb).

https://twitter.com/RussianSpaceWeb/status/1997359443235779050

...Here is the updated rendering of the ROS complex immediately after its planned separation from the ISS, as it is envisioned right now, after the latest redesign in recent weeks and a Roskosmos "deal" with India.
Details, updates at the usual place: https://russianspaceweb.com/insider-content.html

[clongton]

It's behind a pay way. Care to provide a summary?

[catdlr]

It's behind a paywall. Care to provide a summary?

I asked Anatoly Zak, and he provided me with  this (copy):

https://www.russianspaceweb.com/spacecraft_manned_lunar.html


A additional comment from him:

https://twitter.com/RussianSpaceWeb/status/1999320488842338423

Anatoly Zak
@RussianSpaceWeb
This project can not survive without subscription in current conditions, but I try very hard to produce some free content:

RussianSpaceWeb.com: News and updates

[Nighthawk117]

First there was OPSEK, then there was ROSS/ROS.

Now we have "Nauka Station."

Why do I get the feeling that Nauka's solar panels won't provide sufficient power to both it and Prichal?

[Timber Micka]

First there was OPSEK, then there was ROSS/ROS.

Now we have "Nauka Station."

Why do I get the feeling that Nauka's solar panels won't provide sufficient power to both it and Prichal?

ROS will not undock until NEM is docked and operational.
Nauka's arrays have not produced any power since they were disconnected right after the docking in 2021.
NEM was initially developed as a direct successor to the old Science Power Platform and Research Modules after both were canned in the 2000's. A single NEM module produces enough electricity to power the entire Russian segment on the ISS.
Power won't be an issue. The tricky part will come later in the 2030's, when they will undock Nauka+Prichal, send Node 2+EVA Airlock and transition from Soyuz to Orel. This is going to require dozens of EVAs in order to completely reconfigure everthing.

[Nighthawk117]

First there was OPSEK, then there was ROSS/ROS.

Now we have "Nauka Station."

Why do I get the feeling that Nauka's solar panels won't provide sufficient power to both it and Prichal?

ROS will not undock until NEM is docked and operational.
Nauka's arrays have not produced any power since they were disconnected right after the docking in 2021.
NEM was initially developed as a direct successor to the old Science Power Platform and Research Modules after both were canned in the 2000's. A single NEM module produces enough electricity to power the entire Russian segment on the ISS.
Power won't be an issue. The tricky part will come later in the 2030's, when they will undock Nauka+Prichal, send Node 2+EVA Airlock and transition from Soyuz to Orel. This is going to require dozens of EVAs in order to completely reconfigure everthing.

Interesting. Nauka's solar arrays are garbage.  But, what is the status of NEM?

Last I saw from Katya's photos, NEM was no more than 50% complete, and Energia is all but bankrupt.

I predict that Russia's involvement with the ISS will end with MS-32 and before the end of 2028.

Prior to that day, Nauka and Prichal will be undocked.

Also, Orel is all but cancelled at this point. 

The Russian manned space program is going down !

[russianhalo117]

First there was OPSEK, then there was ROSS/ROS.

Now we have "Nauka Station."

Why do I get the feeling that Nauka's solar panels won't provide sufficient power to both it and Prichal?

ROS will not undock until NEM is docked and operational.
Nauka's arrays have not produced any power since they were disconnected right after the docking in 2021.
NEM was initially developed as a direct successor to the old Science Power Platform and Research Modules after both were canned in the 2000's. A single NEM module produces enough electricity to power the entire Russian segment on the ISS.
Power won't be an issue. The tricky part will come later in the 2030's, when they will undock Nauka+Prichal, send Node 2+EVA Airlock and transition from Soyuz to Orel. This is going to require dozens of EVAs in order to completely reconfigure everthing.

Interesting. Nauka's solar arrays are garbage.  But, what is the status of NEM?

Last I saw from Katya's photos, NEM was no more than 50% complete, and Energia is all but bankrupt.

I predict that Russia's involvement with the ISS will end with MS-32 and before the end of 2028.

Prior to that day, Nauka and Prichal will be undocked.

Also, Orel is all but cancelled at this point. 

The Russian manned space program is going down !

The base structural elements were assembled and welded. Final R&D design and outfitting of test articles is in work for testing before the flight articles are prepared for outfitting. UUM struture exists along with other modules reusing unflown mothballed ISS RS/Mir-2 module hardware. NEM is undergoing ROS specific hardware modifications snd upgrades that wasn't intended for its original ISS RS mission.

[big_gazza]

Last I saw from Katya's photos, NEM was no more than 50% complete, and Energia is all but bankrupt.

Bankruptcy isn't an issue for Russian state-owned or majority-state owned enterprises SOEs.  Their policy is to run these enterprises on a shoestring and press their management to seek commercial deals where possible to partly fund themselves.  When needed the Russian gov gives them a bail-out to keep them operating, though they may also change out the SOEs management if it is felt that they have been insufficiently effective. If a project has government support/political will behind it then considerations of profit making, while of vital import to private companies, means virtually nothing for a SOE where any profit they make on government contracts simply means the gov has paid more then needed, and the after tax profits will only be returned to the national treasury in any case.

Also, Orel is all but cancelled at this point. 

Yeah sure...  Just because you wish it doesn't make it fact.  Orel will continue to be developed albeit as a low priority given that manned operations are still limited to LEO and Soyuz remains cheap, effective and reliable. Once they begin HEO/lunar operations in the 2030s then Orel will be required and that is consistent with the anounced A-5P test schedule.

The Russian manned space program is going down !

Really?  This sounds like wishful thinking from a US citizen who simply hates all things Russian. Eventually the US will need to come to the unavoidable recognition that Russia is back as a Great Power, and all of the nonsense that pundits say about them won't change the hard facts of reality.  Only a few days ago I listened to some clown in the EU jabbering about Russia having a GDP smaller than Spain..     even though both the WB and IMF evaluate their GDP by PPP basis as being the 4th largest in the world with the top 5 being China (1), USA (2), India (3) Russia (4), Japan (5).  Blind ideological or nationalistic hatred simply works to blind people to the facts, to their own detriment.

[big_gazza]

Q Why does Russia need Orel if Nauka Station is at 51.6 degrees?
A Because Soyuz, with is its MS variant, has essentially reached the end of its development potential and they need to move onto a larger and more capable vehicle.  In the 80s they were developing both Zarya (which didn't fly) and the TKS heavy transport which only flew as unmanned flights and were repurposed as add-on modules for Salyut and Mir.
Soyuz will suffice for ISS but once it is retired it will be time for a next generation vehicle, both to support ROS and planned lunar missions (with the Chinese)

Q And yes, bankruptcy is an issue for Energia.
A No, for the reasons I've outlined. Unlike privately-owned MIC companies who exist solely for profit and enriching the shareholders, SOE entities exist to manufacture the spacecraft & launchers (and tanks, planes, missiles etc) that the State wants, that work as advertised, and at a price the State will pay. Unlike Western MIC companies whose owners get fat and rich on the debt created to fund the overinflated "defence" budget (which the taxpayers are liable for), SOEs are fed on a drip feed to keep them lean and keen.  Managers are told to get the job done on the resources allocated, and if they can't they get fired and the State begrudgingly gives them extra cash (or if priority is deemed to be low or delays deemed to be acceptable, the completion date is pushed to the right).

Q Why does Russia spend money on Angara A5, when Proton has at least 10 more flights?
A Because Proton uses toxic hypergolics, and its replacement is well overdue.  Having said that, Western (politically motivated) sanctions prevent them from being able to compete fairly in the international civilian launch market, so they only need to launch domestic payloads, and the cadence will therefore be relatively low, especially given the heavy sanctions since 2014 and the consequent need to get their import substitutions up and running across teir full technological supply chain (a work in progress but yielding real fruit now).  Angara remains low priority until Proton stocks are exhausted, so schedule is stretched and outlays are kept low, but A-5M & A-5V development continues and a few payloads are launched as they become available.

Q Why does Russia spend money on Soyuz-5 when it has never flown, and will never launch a foreign sat?
A Is this serious? Why did SpaceX spend money on Falcon before it flew?  Soyuz-5 replaces Ukrainian Zenit, and has potential uses that the similarly rated Angara A-3 can't match.  Whether Soyuz-5 ever flys a foreign satellite (i presume you mean one that include Western components) is immaterial.  It satisfies the 17.5T to LEO lift slot that is currently lacking, and keeps the Kazakhs onboard so that their inherited Baikonour complex still has a use (which seems to be a priority for Astana). It is also a possible route to a SHLV (in a clustered config) should Russia actually decide that it needs one of its own (ie for lunar missions), and that neither the hydrolox A-5V or purchasing an LM-9 flight isn't sufficient.

BTW I think that both the Korona lightweight SSTO and the Zeus nuclear-electric tug are real projects that will see flight, despite the usual flippant dismissal that we in the West exhibit on any Russian announcements. I think we need to remember that in the military realm, their announced projects have been successfully developed, despite the pessimistic Western press and think-tank scribblings - Sarmat liquid-fuelled mega-ICBM, Burevestnik nuke-powered LACM, Tsirkon scram-jet hypersonic multi-role ASM, Poseidon nuke UUV, Avangard intercontinental HGV, Persevet anti-sat laser, all of them without equals in the West. Those who reflexively disparage everything the Ruskies do and say will inevitably end up with egg on face. They aren't some kind of mythical supermen, but they are nevertheless a capable people and underestimating them invites nasty surprises.

[Nighthawk117]

One last thought,

ROS can never exist, in its original form, because there is no core module like Zvezda is to the ISS.

Zvezda is also known as DOS-8.  From about 1970 to 1987, the USSR (Energia) built DOS-1 to DOS-8. 
 
Here are a few of the more famous ones: DOS-5 was Salyut 6, DOS-6 was Salyut 7, and DOS-7 was the Mir core module.