The head of the Russian State Space Corporation (ROSCOSMOS), Yuri Borisov, has extended a remarkable proposal to BRICS member countries during a meeting in South Africa. Brazil, India, China, and South Africa have been invited to participate in the construction of a joint module for the planned Russian Orbital Station (ROS). This move would enable BRICS countries to conduct scientific research and pursue their respective national space programs in low near-Earth orbit.
The proposal marks a significant step in international space collaboration, opening doors for BRICS nations to contribute to the development of the ROS project. Previously, Russia had also offered African countries the opportunity to create national modules and participate in the station's construction.
According to Borisov, the ROS project will be a crucial milestone in the development of piloted spacecraft. The ambitious space station will consist of six modules and a service platform, capable of accommodating up to four cosmonauts. The construction will occur in two phases, with the first stage, the Russian Orbital System (ROS), set to be launched in 2027. Subsequently, four more modules will be dispatched to orbit between 2028 and 2030. Currently, the Rocket and Space Corporation (RSC) Energia is working on the preliminary design, scheduled for completion in 2023.
The invitation for BRICS nations to join hands in this space endeavor marks a new era of cooperation and innovation in space exploration. The ROS project offers a promising opportunity for nations to collaborate on cutting-edge research and exploration, advancing the boundaries of human knowledge beyond our planet. As these countries embrace this exciting venture, we can expect to witness groundbreaking discoveries and accomplishments in the field of space science and technology.
