MOSCOW, June 6. /TASS/. Russia has developed patented technology for equipping orbital stations with robotic maintenance systems. This innovative solution is set to be tested on Russia’s upcoming orbital station before being integrated into the lunar program. First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov briefed President Vladimir Putin on these developments.
"By 2030, we aim to transition to our own orbital station, assembling it module by module," Manturov stated. "This will be the world’s first drone platform featuring robotic maintenance capabilities – an exclusive Russian patent."
The technology will undergo testing aboard the Russian Orbital Station (ROS), with plans to adapt it for lunar missions. Manturov emphasized, "Testing this solution on the ROS will enable us to implement it effectively in our lunar program."
Currently, work is progressing on the creation of the ROS. According to the approved schedule, the station is expected to be deployed in a near-polar orbit between 2027 and 2033. The initial phase involves launching the scientific and energy module (SEM) at the end of 2027. Subsequently, by 2030, the universal, airlock, and base modules are planned for launch, forming the station’s core alongside the SEM. The second phase will focus on expanding the station by docking two special purpose modules between 2031 and 2033.