Russia plans to build its own space station.

Russia plans to deploy its own international space station in 2017, using modules originally intended for the International Space Station (ISS).

The International Space Station (ISS) as seen from the space shuttle Endeavour. Photo: Reuters

"The new space station will be built in a more advantageous location, with the ability to extend the observation range of the Earth's surface. From here, about 90 square kilometers of Russian territory and the Arctic region will be visible. Meanwhile, from the ISS, visibility over this area is no more than 5%," the Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted a source close to the Central Research and Machine-Building Institute of Russia as saying.

One of the research station's main tasks is to test launching spacecraft to the Moon. The cost of the project is currently undetermined; however, the modules and equipment, which were developed for the Russian portion of the ISS, will be part of this project.

This information follows an announcement in May by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin, head of the country's defense industry, that Russia would no longer use the ISS after 2020 and that Russian-made rocket engines would not be used to launch US military satellites.

The statement was issued after the US imposed sanctions on allies of President Vladimir Putin, including Rogozin, for allegedly interfering in the Ukraine issue.

Russia plays a key role in both personnel and technology at the ISS. Its Soyuz spacecraft is currently the only means of transporting American astronauts to the ISS.

According to VnExpress