The shock announcement comes as NASA edges closer to ending its reliance on Roscosmos for launching crews into orbit. The International Space Station (ISS) is expected to remain operational for another decade but Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin believes Russia needs to take proactive measures on a future station now.

Speaking to Radio Komsomolskaya Pravda, Mr Rogozin said Russian needs to "immediately begin work" on a new station and spacecraft capable of reaching orbit.

However, the Roscosmos chief has not made it clear whether these plans will be part of an international endeavour like the ISS.

Instead, he said "the technical training should begin now" for when the ISS is retired.

The ISS is overseen by a body of 15 countries, including the US, Russia, Canada, Japan and a handful of member states of the European Union and the UK.

According to RT, Mr Rogozin said: "As a country that has always been a leader in the creation of orbital stations, Russia should immediately begin work on creating a new one."

The International Space Station has been in continuous use for two decades now, with crews living and working in orbit since the year 2000.