Roscosmos is advancing plans to assemble space satellites on a conveyor system that could be operational by 2026. The initiative, highlighted by Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov, aims to streamline production and scale up satellite output across multiple programs. The project envisions creating a dedicated industrial corridor where satellite components move through automated stages, reducing lead times from design to deployment and improving consistency in performance across a growing fleet of spacecraft.
There are two major centers involved in this effort: ISS Reshetnev and the NPO Lavochkin named after S. A. Lavochkin. These facilities are slated to host advanced production lines that will support a multi-satellite constellation intended for a range of applications, including Earth observation, communications, and scientific research. The emphasis is on building a robust industrial base that can deliver high-reliability satellites at scale, enabling rapid expansion of Russia’s space capabilities while maintaining stringent quality controls at every step of the assembly process.
The Lavochkin NPO is expected to become a key producer of Earth remote-sensing satellites, leveraging state-of-the-art optics, sensor payloads, and data-processing technologies. By integrating modernization efforts with proven engineering know-how, the company aims to deliver high-resolution imaging, multispectral data, and timely analytics to government and commercial users alike. This capability is seen as essential for environmental monitoring, disaster response, agriculture, and resource management, as well as for national security interests tied to space-based observation.
Borisov estimated the total cost of the program at about 60 billion rubles, a figure that underscores the scale of the industrial upgrade. The investment is designed to support not just the conveyor assembly line, but also the ancillary infrastructure required for a sustainable satellite ecosystem, including supply chains, testing facilities, and workforce training. The intent is to increase Russia’s orbital presence with a higher cadence of launches and a more diverse set of satellites serving multiple missions, all while maintaining strong oversight of safety standards and mission assurance throughout the production cycle.
Earlier, Roscosmos officials indicated that the initial mission profile for the first flight to the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) would prioritize experienced cosmonauts. This approach seeks to validate critical life-support systems, rendezvous procedures, and in-flight health monitoring under challenging conditions. At the same time, Roscosmos continues to cultivate a broader cadre of spaceflight specialists, preparing a pipeline of qualified personnel who can contribute to future missions with a mix of technical breadth and practical experience. For newcomers, the path involves training within the familiar ISS environment to build confidence and operational proficiency before undertaking long-duration spaceflight tasks.
In a strategic move, the leadership confirmed the deployment plan for the ROS, outlining milestones that align with Russia’s broader space exploration and orbital infrastructure objectives. This plan envisions a scalable platform capable of hosting a range of experiments, user missions, and international collaborations, while ensuring that safety and reliability remain the top priorities as the program grows. The emphasis across all elements remains on harnessing Russia’s industrial and scientific expertise to sustain a competitive presence in low Earth orbit and beyond, with careful attention to the evolving demands of space operations, data service delivery, and long-term mission resilience.