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Innovation

Will this be the first private space station?

Two Russian companies have proposed a space station in the mold of the ISS. The difference? They're selling tickets.
Written by John Herrman, Contributor

On the surface, the Commercial Space Station sounds a bit absurd. The total cost of the ISS has been variously estimated at $35bn, $100bn, and plenty of figure in between; is it even conceivable that private firms could raise the kind of money--and come up with the kind of tech--necessary to launch and maintain an orbital space station?

Russian companies Orbital Technologies and RSC Energia sure seem to think so, announcing plans to launch the station as early as 2015. Says the latter's CEO, Sergey Kostenko:

I am pleased to announce our intention to provide the global marketplace a commercially available orbital outpost. Once launched and operational, the CSS will provide a unique destination for commercial, state and private spaceflight exploration missions.

First and foremost, the seven-man station would serve as a research outpost, available for use by private entities and governments alike. (Orbital Technologies claims to have a number of firms already under contract.) Additionally, the OT says they've heard proposals for media projects (Real World: Low Earth Orbit, anyone?), and that the station could be open to space vacationers, provided they've got deep pockets. Like many aspects of the CSS project, just how deep will remain a mystery for now.

The project isn't the first of its kind. American company Bigelow Airspace has already launched two test modules into orbit. Made of aluminized fabric and foam, these  satellites are decidedly less orthodox than Orbital Technologies', a fact that makes them at once more and less plausible than the competition. They, too, intend to launch by 2015, though their success depends on the readiness of SpaceX launch modules; the CSS will be launched and serviced by proven Souyez rockets.

Both projects seem to hinge ironically on one factor: support from governments. Bigelow Airspace hopes to rent space in its stations to governments, as does Orbital Technologies--authorities at the Federal Space Agency of the Russian Federation have already expressed interest in using the CSS as temporary safehouse for ISS inhabitants, should the station require extended maintenance.

In any case, OT can't be faulted to lack of ambition--Kostenko has big dreams for his company:

Finally, the CSS will be a true gateway to the rest of the solar system. A short stop-over at our station will be the perfect beginning of a manned circumlunar flight. Deep space manned exploration missions planned in the next decade are also welcome to use the CSS as a waypoint and a supply station

One step at a time, guys! Also, best of luck.

Images courtesy of Orbital Technologies

This post was originally published on Smartplanet.com

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