Russia’s Orbital Technologies has teamed up with Russian manufacturer RKK Energia to develop, build and operate the world’s first commercial space station (CSS) to be launched between 2015 and 2016. The project, which is still in the design and…
Russia’s Orbital Technologies has teamed up with Russian manufacturer RKK Energia to develop, build and operate the world’s first commercial space station (CSS) to be launched between 2015 and 2016. The project, which is still in the design and development stage, promises space tourists an alternative to the International Space Station (ISS).
“Once launched and operational, the CSS will provide a unique destination for commercial, state and private spaceflight exploration missions,” said Orbital Technologies CEO Sergey Kostenko in a statement.
“The CSS will be a valuable addition to the global base of orbital assets. We look forward to working with corporate entities, state governments and private individuals from around the world.” Financial details of the project were not disclosed, but Kostenko confirmed to SatelliteFinance that it will run into hundreds of millions of dollars, and that American and Russian investors have already signed on.
When contacted by SatelliteFinance, a spokesperson for space tourism firm Space Adventures strongly denied reports that the company has agreed to market the flights.
On September 15, Space Adventures announced an MoU with Boeing to market extra seats on its CST-100 spacecraft for destinations in low Earth orbit.
The announcement followed a similar Space Adventures agreement earlier this year with Texas-based Armadillo Aerospace, which develops reusable sub-orbital rocket vehicles. Space Adventures, which also sells seats on Russian Soyuz flights, has facilitated eight missions to the ISS for its clients since 2001.
Orbital Technologies and RKK Energia did not respond to requests for comment.
