Russia is discussing the prospects of replacing humans with robots for work in open space and on the surface of other celestial bodies. This transition could significantly accelerate the development of extraterrestrial construction and make it technologically more extensive. This was stated by Anatoly Petrukovich, Director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences (IKI RAS).
According to his assessment, the key limitation of modern cosmonautics remains the need for human involvement in a spacesuit outside sealed modules. If robotic systems take over this function, it will be a qualitative leap for all tasks related to construction and assembly in space – from orbital infrastructure to lunar objects.
Petrukovich also noted that placing energy-intensive production facilities in orbit could be one of the factors accelerating space exploration. At the same time, he emphasized that this is not about relocating people to space: such projects are primarily considered as industrial and technological expansion beyond Earth.