Russia Develops Space Station with Artificial Gravity Technology

Russian state-owned Energia rocket company has secured a patent for a spacecraft architecture designed to generate artificial gravity, a significant advancement for long-duration crewed missions. According to Space.com, this rotating system aims to produce a gravitational force of 0.5g, or 50% of Earth's gravity.

The patent documentation outlines a notional space station structure with a central axial module and rotating components that create centrifugal force to simulate gravity for astronauts. The station would require about five revolutions per minute and a radius of 131 feet.

However, it notes challenges such as the complexity of docking spinning transport ships with the station. Gizmodo reports that, alongside this patent, Russia is also planning to reuse parts of the International Space Station for its upcoming Russian Orbital Space Station, or ROSS.

Following the ISS's retirement, expected around 2030, Russia aims to establish ROSS using existing segments of the ISS, a decision influenced by the current state of the Russian space program amid geopolitical tensions.

The original plan involved launching new modules starting in 2027, but it has since shifted to repurposing current ISS segments, which may reflect operational challenges, including air leaks in the existing Russian module.

These developments indicate a renewed focus on artificial gravity technology in space exploration, potentially addressing health issues faced by astronauts during extended missions.