International Space Station “In Its Final Breaths”
The Russian space agency announced on Friday that its part of the International Space Station is deteriorating to the extent that it is “approaching the end of its existence.”
Moscow is still counting on building its own space station despite the challenges facing this sector.
The station’s director, Yuri Borisov, stated that “80% of Russian equipment has already exceeded all maximum warranty periods,” which would allow it to remain in service in the orbital laboratory where Moscow plays a major role in maintenance. In an interview with the public television channel “Russia 24,” he explained that the “International Space Station is approaching the end of its existence.”
The station, whose assembly began in 1998, served as a model of international cooperation, especially between the United States and Russia.
It was initially planned to be retired from service in 2024, but the U.S. space agency (NASA) has suggested the possibility of its continued operation until 2030.
The Russian part of the International Space Station has recently experienced numerous technical problems, including three incidents of leaks, such as those that occurred in the “Nauka” module in early October, which did not endanger the crew.
Russia announced in July 2022 that it intends to withdraw from the International Space Station, where its space station crew members have a permanent presence. Therefore, the creation of a new Russian orbital station is a top priority for the Russian space agency Roscosmos.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on Thursday that the first part of this new Russian space station is expected to be placed in orbit in 2027, promising to continue space exploration despite recent setbacks.
The Russian space sector, historically a source of pride for the country, has faced funding issues, corruption scandals, and failures in recent years, including the loss of the lunar probe “Luna-25” in August.
