Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Russia Sets 51.6° Orbit for New Space Station

The decision mirrors the ISS inclination to reduce radiation exposure.

Overview

  • First Vice Premier Denis Manturov announced the inclination choice and said India plans to place its station on the same orbit.
  • A previously considered polar orbit near 96–97° promised full national coverage but posed higher radiation and technical risks.
  • The program targets launch of the scientific‑energy module in December 2027, with core modules completing the station’s base by 2030.
  • An expansion phase from 2031 to 2033 is slated to add two target modules to the complex.
  • The project budget is reported at 608.9 billion rubles, and Roscosmos and NASA plan joint ISS operations through 2028 with deorbiting by 2030.