MOSCOW, August 31 (RIA Novosti) - A leading...

The Energia chief also said his corporation had plans to create a multi-purpose laboratory module on the ISS, construction of which began in 1998, within the next five years.

"Using this module, we will switch to digital technologies. In the 10 years of its operation, the module will recoup invested funds," Sevastyanov said. "In addition, there are plans to build energy and research modules on the ISS."

Sevastyanov also said Russia intended to use a new inter-orbital craft from 2009 to dock cargoes to the ISS and reduce considerably the cost of cargo deliveries to the space station.