At the Cosmonaut Training Center a clear plan has emerged for the near future of spaceflight personnel. It is stated that the first deliberate selection of cosmonauts for missions to the Russian orbital station is anticipated for 2023-2024. This information comes from a briefing referenced by the CPC and relayed through the agency’s press service, underscoring a shift toward systematic preparation for station operations and long-duration missions.
The center indicated that this initial targeted selection will mark a milestone in the training and assignment process for crews who will undertake flights to ROS. It is emphasized that the selection will involve careful evaluation of candidates and their readiness to operate within a mixed crew composition aboard the orbital facility. The overarching aim is to assemble teams with demonstrated proficiency in spaceflight tasks and the ability to adapt to the evolving demands of a multi-year orbital program.
In addition to new recruits, active Roscosmos cosmonauts are expected to participate in missions to the ROS. This approach reflects a strategy that leverages experienced personnel to maintain continuity in station operations while mentoring and integrating newer astronauts who will carry forward the program’s long-term objectives. The involvement of seasoned crews is seen as vital to sustaining mission reliability and ensuring that medical, technical, and operational procedures are consistently applied across flights.
Previously, Oleg Orlov, who leads the Institute of Biomedical Problems within the Russian Academy of Sciences, described ROS as a developing platform. He highlighted its role as a proving ground for testing medical support technologies designed for deep space missions and for flights to destinations beyond Earth’s immediate neighborhood. This perspective frames ROS not merely as a habitat in orbit but as an infrastructure that will advance the science and health protocols required for extended exploration missions.
Further context comes from directives approved at the highest levels. The Roscosmos leadership, aligned with guidance from national authorities, has laid out strategic recommendations for ROS construction. These guidelines set a framework for how the station will be planned, tested, and eventually scaled to meet ambitious exploration goals. The emphasis is on establishing a robust architecture that can support research, operations, and human factors in space over the long term, with an eye toward building capabilities that can reach beyond low Earth orbit.
In a recent progress update, Vladimir Kozhevnikov, the chief designer for the Russian Orbital Station project, outlined the intended trajectory for ROS development. He indicated that the work is moving forward with a sense of purpose and a clear timetable. According to his assessment, the full deployment of ROS is envisioned by 2032, a horizon that reflects the scale of the project and the complexity of integrating new technologies, life-support systems, and international collaboration into a coherent orbital platform. The projected timeline signals a multi-phase rollout that will involve phased testing, incremental capability gains, and iterative improvements based on flight experience and scientific findings.