In the future, the ISS may become a repair and refueling base for spacecraft.

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Despite the recent crash of the Proton-M launch vehicle, active work continues in the framework of the Russian space program. For example, as it became known recently, already this year, astronauts currently working on the International Space Station (ISS) will receive the spacesuits of the Orlan family. In addition to such updates related to the improvement of current projects, the Russian space industry is also making plans for the future. Already, scientists and engineers are opening new projects that will be implemented in the future.

In the future, the ISS may become a repair and refueling base for spacecraft.


On Tuesday, July 16, the head of the Russian part of the ISS project V. Soloviev spoke about the future plans of the space industry. In the foreseeable future, it is planned to create a new module for the ISS, which will ensure the implementation of a number of auxiliary tasks. Like the existing components of the International Space Station, the new unit will become the basis for various research projects, but at the same time several new and still unusual tasks will be assigned to it. It is assumed that the new part of the ISS will also become a point of service and test service for various spacecraft.

This means that if necessary, the crew of the updated ISS will have to check the operation of various spacecraft and, possibly, repair them. Also in the existing plans there is a point about the possibilities of using the station as a refueling base for vehicles heading to other planets. In the future, it will be necessary to create similar objects on the Moon or on Mars, but for the time being we are talking only about an auxiliary base station in Earth orbit.

An interesting fact is that at the present time work is already underway to create such a unit for the ISS. RSC Energia has already started the corresponding project and is currently working on the main issues. The exact dates for the completion of the project and the launch of the first module of the new specialization, for objective reasons, have not yet been announced. The project is at the initial stages and therefore it is still too early to talk about the exact date of its implementation. In the same way, it is probably early to talk about the specific appearance of the future part of the ISS. Nevertheless, even with such a volume of information, it is possible to draw certain conclusions.

From the words of V. Solovyov it follows that the new module will to some extent resemble the existing ones on the ISS, but at the same time will receive a number of special equipment missing from the existing ones. First of all, these are certain technical means intended for refueling spacecraft and vehicles. Probably, the updated International Station will receive fuel storage tanks, as well as some equipment for transferring it to the refueling ship. Thanks to such equipment in the future, the implementation of some space programs can be simplified. For example, it will be possible to divide the preparation for the flight of a manned spacecraft to the Moon or Mars in several stages. So, the carrier rocket, on board of which will be the spacecraft itself with astronauts, will not have to put into space also the supply of fuel necessary for a long flight. Fuel and oxidizer can be delivered in advance to the auxiliary orbital station and with its help to refuel the ship itself before being sent to the target.

In this context, we can recall the famous science fiction movie "Armageddon". Recall, heading to the asteroid, the crew of the planet’s drillers and rescuers made an intermediate stop at the space station, refueled and continued on their way. Despite the numerous conventions and assumptions of this film, the storyline with refueling in orbit looks quite real. Moreover, now, as is clear from the statements of the leadership of the Russian space industry, scientists and designers have begun to test this idea and develop the appearance of systems that could provide a procedure for refueling spacecraft in orbit.

At the same time, the technical complexity of such a project is obvious. To justify it, it can be said that, under certain conditions, refueling vehicles in orbit can simplify and cheapen some aspects of space flight. First of all, the prerequisite for price reduction will be the absence of the need to send a single “flight” and a heavy machine like the American ships of the Apollo line, and the corresponding fuel supply for it. Under certain circumstances, it will be possible to divide the payload of one large and heavy launch vehicle into several parts (fuel supply and, depending on the tasks, several modules of the spacecraft itself), which will be delivered into orbit not simultaneously, but in turn, with several missiles with lower starting weight and lower cost. Finally, in this way it will be possible to prepare for long-haul flights complex spacecraft, whose overall dimensions and weight exceed the capabilities of all existing launch vehicles.

It should be noted that the above are only thoughts on the possible appearance and method of applying the new module for the International Space Station. Official information about this project is reduced to several phrases of the most general nature. Therefore, due to the fact that the project is at the earliest stages, as a result, the renewed base station may either not meet the expectations or exceed them. Apparently, in the near future, work will continue on shaping the appearance of a promising orbital module and new information about this project may appear only in a few months or even years. Nevertheless, even if there is a shortage of information, the project looks very interesting and promising.


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30 comments
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  1. +2
    22 July 2013 07: 41
    Of course, I want to say that we need our own station, not because we will quarrel with partners on the ISS, but, nevertheless, we have our own. But let it be an experience in the ISS version, but by the time the ISS is decommissioned, God forbid, we are realizing our plans. However, all this makes sense only if there is a research program for at least Mars, otherwise we have capacities in orbit for the service, and to serve whom? ...
    1. Mrgangster
      -3
      22 July 2013 08: 32
      It is a pity that space for us is not yet achievable, because money in the budget still needs to be dispersed in the pockets
      1. biglow
        +11
        22 July 2013 08: 37
        Quote: MrGangster
        It is a pity that space for us is not yet achievable, because money in the budget still needs to be dispersed in the pockets

        what country are you writing about? lol
        1. 0
          22 July 2013 21: 30
          Quote: biglow
          Quote: MrGangster
          It is a pity that space for us is not yet achievable, because money in the budget still needs to be dispersed in the pockets

          what country are you writing about? lol

          He probably means manned flights to the moon, Mars and satellites of Saturn and Jupiter ...
  2. +1
    22 July 2013 08: 53
    It is interesting that they have been doing there for so many years, are there any results, reports, or is this a station for the sake of the station.
    1. +3
      22 July 2013 09: 41
      a station for the sake of running in some new ideas and technologies, such as the same "Orlan" s, amers out of the iron man were driven to the ISS that year, they are taking off study guides the same amers to wash their hair in zero gravity laughing
      and on the idea of ​​refueling spacecraft, it was useful, plus, moreover, pick up your spent (OUR) satellites for refueling, and alien satellites for inspection laughing laughing .
  3. +4
    22 July 2013 09: 57
    I don’t want to grumble, but after each failure we are painted with bright prospects. Regarding this proposal, the long-term storage of fuel on the ISS is not profitable, since you will have to spend the same fuel on lifting the station’s orbit, and the heavier the station, the more fuel you will have to spend.
    1. Volkhov
      0
      22 July 2013 12: 50
      Braking does not depend on weight, only on the midsection.
  4. +6
    22 July 2013 10: 35
    Apple trees on Mars were already blooming in the distant 70s, but oddly enough then it really seemed possible. Now we are talking about camp sites on the moon for exclusively commercial purposes. Cool guys no longer get high on the Canaries, "they need even more fun, like there lunaaa, maaars, well, or even some cool garbage, where to hang out Mona and in front of the boys pakhvastats"

    I am still bursting with pride for a country that in antediluvian times managed to send a satellite to Venus, land there and take a couple of shots, THAT TIME !!! It’s a pity that the cosmos is wagging. The countries spend money on military satellites and other garbage, it would be better if they swelled money in the study of the solar system. You see, they would have found some kind of helium 100500 and stopped dermocratizing the unfortunate little women for the sake of oil.
  5. ed65b
    +4
    22 July 2013 10: 43
    All that the author wrote was written and commented on in the last century. Back in the Soviet Union, I read articles where it was quite sensible to put into orbit and install from the modules of devices for manned flights to other planets. MIR was used as an assembly shop where there was also its own gas station. So everything new is well forgotten old. Put modules into orbit, assemble and launch. The design can be absolutely any size and weight, even a spaceship.
  6. +5
    22 July 2013 10: 54
    After the collapse of the USSR, space died, because it needs to be explored and not sent into orbit by a rich scum.
  7. biglow
    +4
    22 July 2013 10: 56
    Russia needs another big breakthrough. It’s a big big over idea. The idea of ​​colonization of the moon and Mars is what a new impetus for development of both technology and the country as a whole can be.
    1. Volkhov
      -2
      22 July 2013 12: 55
      Today's Russians are not able to see a big idea, like an ant elephant being on it, and the colonization of Martians, who are at a higher level by Russians who are themselves colonized, is generally absurd.
      To open your eyes is the maximum possible.
    2. +1
      22 July 2013 14: 41
      Quote: biglow
      Russia needs another big breakthrough. It’s a big big over idea. The idea of ​​colonization of the moon and Mars is what a new impetus for development of both technology and the country as a whole can be.

      So I think so! But those in power are now busy with something else: cutting the Soviet legacy.
    3. strange and pretty meaningless
      0
      23 July 2013 05: 16
      good Hundred pluses. To the stars!!!
  8. ed65b
    +3
    22 July 2013 11: 12
    Quote: Standard Oil
    After the collapse of the USSR, space died, because it needs to be explored and not sent into orbit by a rich scum.

    Or maybe on the contrary a one-way ticket to Mars, let them master it under the leadership of the Prime Minister.
    1. +1
      22 July 2013 11: 30
      Mars is too close, it’s better to go somewhere on LV-426, so that they would not be bored.
    2. +2
      22 July 2013 12: 13
      Quote: ed65b
      Or maybe on the contrary a one-way ticket to Mars, let them master it under the leadership of the Prime Minister.

      Congenially, to Mars is his darling, to Mars and give acceleration.
    3. +1
      22 July 2013 14: 51
      and most of the cabinet since Livanov))
  9. +3
    22 July 2013 11: 35
    Belyaev's "Star of the CEC" rises. Why not ?
  10. shvindin2012
    +3
    22 July 2013 12: 50
    Quote: ed65b
    All that the author wrote was written and commented on in the last century. Back in the Soviet Union, I read articles where it was quite sensible to put into orbit and install from the modules of devices for manned flights to other planets. MIR was used as an assembly shop where there was also its own gas station. So everything new is well forgotten old. Put modules into orbit, assemble and launch. The design can be absolutely any size and weight, even a spaceship.

    In the USSR, they planned to fly to Mars in 1971, and return to 1973. (based on materials from Wikipedia). For a breakthrough in space, new engines and EVERYTHING are needed !! The expected first nuclear propulsion system in the world by 2018 in Russia should change the face of manned space exploration. And, maybe, by 2060-2070 we will see a thermonuclear engine in action. Amer right now in this direction are working hard.
    1. +1
      22 July 2013 13: 26
      The engine is not everything. It is necessary to provide the crew with living conditions, and this is not as simple as it seems.
      1. ed65b
        0
        22 July 2013 13: 47
        therefore, they suggested collecting in orbit, with greenhouses and gardens. with artificial gravity. In general, the flight of fancy was now .....
    2. 0
      22 July 2013 14: 56
      A nuclear electro-jet propulsion system as an interorbital tug, to implement the MAKS program ("air launch") and there will be a breakthrough, I hope. Then it will be possible to talk seriously about the exploration of the moon and near space. The Moon is supposed to produce helium-3 for fusion.
      1. +2
        22 July 2013 17: 41
        Helium-3 is supposed to be mined for fusion on the moon.

        Thermonuclear would still run ...
    3. Volkhov
      0
      22 July 2013 23: 44
      There is also a projection of a space elevator - make it out of hoses and pump kerosene into synchronous orbit - without customs, because the border line does not cross ...
  11. Cat
    0
    22 July 2013 13: 08
    In this context, one can recall the famous science fiction film “Armageddon”. Recall, heading towards an asteroid, the team of planetary rescue drillers made an intermediate stop at the space station, refueled and continued on their way. Despite the numerous conventions and assumptions of this film, the plot move with refueling in orbit looks quite real.

    No need to recall this bad parody. At least out of superstition - there the COP burned out.
    1. 0
      22 July 2013 13: 31
      for sure. the gas station burned out :) :) :)

      Is the ISS really expecting this?
  12. 0
    22 July 2013 18: 41
    Will Lukoil’s gas station be launched into orbit? And some kind of tire fitting. We need to look for new methods of launching from the Earth and not engage in nonsense.
  13. 0
    22 July 2013 20: 38
    if there will be a thermonuclear engine, why should he refuel. The ISS will most likely be as an emergency rescue object with launch ships on the ground. as well as a radio communication node with the ground and an object of storage of vital things. and it would not hurt to have such an artificial satellite on Mars.
  14. -1
    22 July 2013 22: 21
    Interesting, and when we fly to Mars ?!
    1. Van
      0
      22 July 2013 22: 56
      Quote: GUSAR
      Interesting, and when we fly to Mars ?!

      Yes, soon it’s completely left, a stone's throw, a foot toss.
      But in general, somewhere in two generations, like pi-give, we fly off. lol
    2. Volkhov
      0
      22 July 2013 23: 47
      They have black iron "plates" - hitchhike ...
  15. strange and pretty meaningless
    0
    23 July 2013 05: 12
    ... you can recall the famous science fiction movie "Armageddon." Recall, heading towards an asteroid, the team of planetary rescue drillers made an intermediate stop at the space station, refueled and continued on their way.
    Or you may not remember. A classic Pin-Dostanov masterpiece - the brave clever Yankees use the remains of the Soviet Mir station for refueling. At the station, the half-drunk space guard Andropov. After "help" the station explodes. But the world is saved.
  16. 0
    24 July 2013 13: 16
    After Proton’s last failure, it’s not worth building plans ahead, you need to return at least the lost!
    And then again they begin to build projects, although students already began to collect rockets
  17. +1
    25 July 2013 00: 54
    When creating new modules, I believe that the designers transfer the functions of the modules that have exhausted their resources into these new modules and lay down the backup of other functions? Otherwise, a catastrophic increase in malfunctions and failures will force flooding not of individual modules, but of the entire ISS system, as happened with the WORLD.
  18. 0
    6 August 2013 06: 38
    The Proton accident is an unprofitable event, but in fact an ordinary one - experience is the son of difficult mistakes. And if we recall the development (and operation) of aviation, which is much simpler than astronautics, then astronautics does not differ in accidents.
    For freight cars to travel to the moon like a scheduled bus, such an orbital station is simply necessary. The next step is a base on the moon. Until we reach the completion of the construction of the lunar base and the thermonuclear reactor will be ripe by then (I hope in Russia), and then the moment of economic feasibility of the exploration of the Moon will come and a breakthrough will come in the exploration of near space.
    Russia needs to hurry! Now we sell oil and gas, and then for all times helium-3. Whoever wins this race will receive paradise on Earth.

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