ISS future secured: US & Russia extend cooperation until 2025
In a move reaffirming commitment to the International Space Station (ISS), Russia and the United States agreed to extend joint astronaut flights through 2025.
Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, announced the news on December 29th, highlighting its focus on "ensuring ISS operational reliability and guaranteeing the presence of at least one representative from Roscosmos and NASA on both segments of the station."
This decision marks a notable shift from Russia's initial announcement in July 2022 of planned withdrawal "after 2024," which had cast doubt on the future of the ISS collaboration. The extension now provides a defined timeframe for continued joint operations and research aboard the orbiting laboratory.
However, Russia's dedication to a long-term future in space remains centred on developing its own independent station. President Putin reiterated this ambition in October, pledging to launch the first module of the new Russian station in 2027. This independent trajectory underscores Russia's ongoing pursuit of space exploration capabilities.
Meanwhile, the ISS, a testament to international cooperation since its construction began in 1998, faces its own operational considerations. Initially slated for decommissioning in 2024, NASA has recently assessed its potential functionality until 2030. The extension of US-Russia collaboration serves to bridge this gap, allowing for extended scientific research and exploration within the ISS framework.
Both countries stand to benefit from this renewed partnership, fostering stability and facilitating valuable scientific pursuits before the ISS reaches its eventual decommissioning.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
