Tensions in low Earth orbit appear to be easing. Russian space chief Yuri Borisov has confirmed that Roscosmos won’t abandon the International Space Station (ISS) before 2030. Instead, the agency will work with NASA to help decommission the station.
Background. After sanctions for its invasion of Ukraine, Russia threatened to leave the ISS in favor of developing its own space station. Initially, it set a two-year timeline, aiming to exit by 2024. This prompted NASA to test alternative spacecraft for the propulsion of the orbiting laboratory, one of Russia’s key responsibilities.
Later, Roscosmos pledged to remain a partner on the ISS until 2028, aligning its plans with the eventual launch of the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS). Now, Borisov has admitted that Roscosmos will stay on the ISS until 2030 to coordinate with NASA on its decommissioning.
A shift in strategy. In a recent interview with a Russian media outlet, Borisov confirmed that Russia would maintain its presence on the ISS through 2030 to match NASA’s roadmap. Around that time, NASA plans to deorbit the ISS using a specially designed SpaceX spacecraft.
While Russia plans to transition to ROSS, NASA doesn’t intend to build another space station. Instead, the agency aims to foster a commercial economy in low Earth orbit, supporting multiple privately owned stations. These facilities would share orbit with ROSS and China’s Tiangong space station.
“In coordination with our American colleagues, we plan to de-orbit the station sometime around the beginning of 2030,” Borisov said. “The final scenario will probably be specified after the transition to a new NASA administration.”
Why Russia backtracked. Although an agreement between the two nations likely won’t be finalized until businessman and astronaut Jared Isaacman assumes the role of NASA administrator, Roscosmos’ shift in position stems from significant budgetary challenges. The once-mighty Russian space program is struggling to sustain its Soviet-era legacy while competing in the modern space race. Borisov hinted at budgetary challenges without directly referencing the war in Ukraine, citing the “general economic situation” and “high inflation” as significant obstacles to private sector growth.
Russia lacks the resources to develop a super-heavy rocket for lunar missions, relegating its role in space exploration to a supporting position in China’s lunar program. The country also lacks a robust private aerospace industry comparable to SpaceX.
Aging infrastructure. The ISS, now nearing its 30th year, is showing its age. The Russian segment, including the Zarya module launched in 1998, has developed cracks and requires frequent repairs. “Our cosmonauts have to spend more time repairing equipment and less and less time conducting experiments,” Borisov said.
The ISS stands as one of humanity’s most ambitious cooperative achievements, but its era is ending. The U.S. and Russia, its primary operators, have now agreed on the timeline for its decommissioning. The process may not be abrupt, but it marks the end of a historic chapter in space exploration.
Image | NASA
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