Russia may create additional module of new space station for foreign partners - chief designer

KUBINKA, Moscow region. Aug 15 (Interfax) - The conceptual design of Russia's new space station does not include a module for foreign partners, but it can be added, Russian space station chief designer Vladimir Kozhevnikov told Interfax.

"Foreign partners' participation could be varied: they can order a module that will be added to the station. The conceptual design does not include a module for foreign partners, but it implies that such module could be designed," Kozhevnikov said on the sidelines of the Army 2023 forum.

According to the conceptual design, a module that foreign partners may order can be integrated into the station, he said.

"We can build a module for a client if the latter needs it. If a client makes the module itself, which is also an option, we will ensure integration," Kozhevnikov said.

Russia is considering the construction of a new national space station as a replacement for the International Space Station.

The first phase in the Russian space station project is planned for 2027-2030, and its construction will be completed in 2032.