Russia’s new space station and the economics of space exploration

The US and Russia are looking to part ways when it comes to orbital space research. The International Space Station has long been a symbol of peace and international collaboration, orbiting our planet.

However, recent world events have led both Russia and NASA to consider a future in which they each go their separate ways. Russia has announced new information on its Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS), which we detail below. And what is the cost of space exploration? Is it worth the outlay? Let’s dive into the details.

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Russia’s new space station

It’s been known for some time that Russia’s space agency, Roscosmos, and NASA have been planning for life after the International Space Station (ISS).

NASA has been looking to spread its orbital presence with the help of several privately-built space stations. 

Russia, meanwhile, wants to build a new orbital station. This week, news emerged that Roscosmos aims to build and deploy its new station’s four-module core by 2030. The outpost will reportedly be named the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS).

Russia claims the new station will allow it to perform space research that was previously impossible due to constraints related to international agreements. 

For decades, the ISS has been a beacon of international cooperation. However, recently, cracks have started to show as Russia, the US, and China have started escalating the militarization of space. Relations between the US and Russia have also been fraught even before the latter’s invasion of Ukraine. 

According to Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov, the first module of ROSS could launch by 2027. It will be used for power and scientific research. Three more modules will be added by 2030, and Russia aims to add another two by 2033. Around 19 companies will work on the construction of the space station.

Building the station is only part of Russia’s overall project, however. The country is also in the process of developing new crewed spacecraft and upgrading its launch infrastructure.

A recent Reuters report quoted Roscosmos officials stating the new station will “solve problems of scientific and technological development, national economy and national security that are not available on the Russian segment of the ISS due to technological limitations and the terms of international agreements.”

AERO BULLETIN

Is space exploration worth the money?

NASA has faced heavy criticism in recent months for budget overruns. The space agency’s Mars Sample Return project, in particular, is facing an overhaul due to fears it will go several billion dollars over budget.

Is space exploration worth the massive funds required to make it happen? Here are a few important points on the matter.

What are the most expensive space missions in history?

NASA’s most expensive program to date has been the Space Shuttle Program, which racked up a bill of $199 billion. By comparison, the Apollo program cost the US $25 billion. However, the inflation-adjusted cost for 2020 would come to around $257 billion.

What benefits do we get from space exploration?

While many would argue space exploration simply fulfills something in humanity’s innate inquisitive nature, there are also strong economic benefits related to space exploration.

Space technologies, such as satellites, play a massive role in the global economy. The GPS we use in our smartphones, for example, is completely reliant on satellites. Space mining, meanwhile, could bring great riches to Earth. Companies like Astroforge are building technologies to bring vast resources back to Earth. 

Is space exploration really all that expensive?

One of NASA’s biggest goals—sending humans to Mars—would be undeniably expensive. One estimate suggests it could cost as much as $450 billion.

However, space research and exploration isn’t as expensive as many think. Many believe NASA takes up a quarter of the US federal budget. In reality, the billions spent on space exploration amount to 0.5 percent of the total federal budget.

Other countries have also made great progress with smaller budgets. India’s recent Chandrayaan-3 mission, for example, famously landed near the lunar south pole for a relatively low $75 million—less than it cost to make the movie Interstellar.