MOSCOW. Feb 18 (Interfax-AVN) - Leading space powers are eyeing the construction of an inhabited space station above the lunar orbit, a space industry representative told Interfax-AVN.
"International Space Station (ISS) partners are elaborating a joint position on space exploration after the ISS project is over. The idea to deploy a manned station on the second Lagrange point is gaining the biggest support," he said.
"The new project may begin within a decade," the source said, adding that the precise timeframe would depend on many factors, mostly on the possible decision of the ISS partners to extend the project from 2020 to 2028.
A manned base above the lunar orbit will be the departure point for expeditions to the Moon, Mars and other solar system objects, the source said.