Russia plans to continue collaborating on the International Space Station until 2028. This is four years longer than Moscow previously said.
Russia is collaborating on the ISS with the American space agency NASA. But recently, tensions between Russia and the United States have increased over the war in Ukraine. Russia then announced earlier this year that it would stop cooperation after 2024.
Sergei Krikalev, the head of manned space missions at the Russian space agency Roscosmos, previously said he would reconsider the decision. Russian Deputy Prime Minister and Industry Minister Denis Manturov has now said he plans to use the ISS until 2028.
According to him, an extension will ensure that Russia can ensure the continuity of its manned space program. Only in this way can technical and industrial skills be maintained and expanded, says Manturov.
The fact that Russia will stay longer on the ISS has to do with its own space station. That station is currently under construction, but it’s not ready yet. According to sources, the first parts for the space station could be launched in 2028.
