Russian space 'tug' could be launched in 2030

The state corporation Roskosmos, according to RIA Novosti, intends to launch the so-called space "tug" into orbit at the end of the next decade.

We are talking about a specialized apparatus with a megawatt-class nuclear power plant. This "tug" will allow you to transport cargo in deep space.

It is assumed that the new apparatus will help in the creation of settlements on other bodies of the solar system. It could be, say, a habitable base on Mars.

The technical complex for the preparation of satellites with a nuclear "tug" is planned to be deployed at the Vostochny cosmodrome, which is located in the Far East in the Amur Region.

Flight tests of the space "tug" can be organized in 2030. At the same time, the accompanying complex on Vostochny will be put into operation.

It is noted that the project of a space "tug" with a nuclear power plant has no analogues in the world. “The declared goal of the project is to ensure a leading position in the development of highly efficient space-based energy complexes that qualitatively increase their functionality,” RIA Novosti reports. 

Source: 3dnews.ru