Russia announced on Wednesday its intention to extend the operation of its segment of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2028, appearing to postpone its decision to leave the orbital laboratory after 2024.
“
By decision of the government, the International Space Station has been extended until 2028
,” the head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, Yuri Borissov, told television during a meeting with President Vladimir Putin.
Model of international cooperation
According to him, this delay should be used to set up a project for a specifically Russian orbital station to replace the ISS, as Moscow has been aiming to do for years.
“
Time flies and we should not take a break from manned astronautics under any circumstances
,” Yuri Borissov said.
In July 2022, a few months after launching its offensive in Ukraine, Russia announced its intention to leave the ISS "
after 2024
", raising the question of the survival of the orbital laboratory.
Read alsoWhat future for the International Space Station after the surprise announcement of the Russian withdrawal?
A model of international cooperation bringing together Europe, Japan, the United States and Russia, the ISS began to be assembled in 1998. Its retirement was planned for 2024, but NASA estimated that it could operate until 2030.
Russia plays a key role in keeping the station in orbit, but some of its ships are affected by Western sanctions due to the assault on Ukraine.
While it has ambitions to independently relaunch itself in the space race, Russia has faced serious problems for years, including endemic corruption that hampers its programs and innovation.