On a new approach to managing crew activities on the Russian orbital station

One of the strategic objectives of Russian manned spaceflight is to increase the efficiency of human presence in low Earth orbit and broaden the spectrum of specialists involved in space activities. The Russian Orbital Station is being established as a new-generation station and is to serve the national interests of the Russian Federation in the field manned spaceflight, advancement of our country’s science and economy through transitioning to utilization of low Earth orbit, laying the technological groundwork for interplanetary missions and achieving a new quality of human life and work in space. The paper reviews 60 years of experience in conducting pure and applied research both during missions to orbital stations and free-flying spacecraft missions, discusses various options for managing research activities in space and evaluates the need to involve specialists in various fields in carrying out utilization programs onboard the station. In order to implement such an approach one needs to develop mission utilization activities program, build scientific equipment for the mission specialists, and optimize the management of crew activities, including selection and training of the specialist for the mission that does not require him giving up his day job.