Russia outlines a plan for the Orbital Station project with a projected cost of about 609 billion rubles
Officials have presented a timeline in which the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) could reach operational status by 2032, with the total estimated funding hovering around 609 billion rubles. The estimate was shared by Yuri Borisov, the Director General of Roscosmos, during an interview on the television channel Russia 24. The discussion focused on the financial scale required to establish a permanent presence in orbit and the broader infrastructure that supports such a program.
According to Borisov, roughly 150 billion rubles would be needed in the first three years of the ROS development, covering the initial phase from 2024 through 2026. This initial allocation would not only finance the assembly of the orbital module cluster but also support significant investments in terrestrial space infrastructure essential to sustain the project over time.
As Borisov noted, the majority of the funds will be directed toward building the orbital grouping itself while substantial resources will also be allocated to the development of ground-based facilities. These facilities include the Vostochny Cosmodrome, where launches are planned, and the production and preparation of launch vehicles that will carry the ROS components into orbit.
In earlier statements, the head of state emphasized that the ROS could mark a new era in the nation’s space capabilities. The project is envisioned as a durable platform for Russian scientific research, technology testing, and long-duration human presence in space. Recent remarks have also highlighted the importance of civil and scientific objectives, and the ROS is being described as a national outpost in space that could support a range of future missions.
Details on the engineering approaches have included guidance on protective systems for the station. Reports from the station’s chief designer discuss the inclusion of anti-meteoroid protection measures, aiming to shield the orbital facility from debris and meteoroid impacts. This aspect reflects the broader emphasis on resilience and safe long-term operation in the harsh environment of space.
Officials have framed the ROS as a strategic asset for the country, underscoring its potential to advance Russia’s capabilities in space exploration, technology development, and international scientific collaboration. The project aligns with missions to expand access to near-Earth space and to sustain human activities beyond Earth’s atmosphere over extended periods.
While timetable and budget figures are subject to ongoing refinement, the overarching objective remains clear: to establish a reliable, cost-conscious presence in orbit by the end of the decade. The ROS program reflects a commitment to maintaining a robust space program that can support both national interests and broader scientific goals over the long term.