The Russian orbital station in near-polar orbit

The paper describes innovative design approaches implemented during development of a new-generation Russian Orbital Station, presents characteristics of its functional capabilities in the course of operation in a near-polar Sun-synchronous near-Earth orbit, sets out guidelines for the orbital complex utilization strategy aimed at successive achievement of the maximum efficiency (taking into account the gradual evolution of technologies) of execution of scientific research, goal-oriented programs, projects, and separate experiments. Shown are development prospects of the station as a universal platform for development testing of new technologies in space and establishing robot-based manufacturing, as well as development of the orbital infrastructure by increasing a constellation of spacecraft interacting with the orbital station, including special-purpose free-flying crew-tended station modules. New program-methodical and technological solutions implemented in development of the orbital station project, and are to be implemented during the station assembly and operation as a technological basis for transition to the Moon exploration, as well as performance of the exploration flights program beyond the low Earth orbit were analyzed.