Russia has officially endorsed NASA’s plan to deorbit the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030, marking a significant shift in its stance on the aging orbital outpost.
Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov announced in a televised interview with RBC TV that the operation would be carried out in coordination with NASA, with further specifics likely to emerge once a new NASA administration is in place.
This decision highlights a departure from earlier, more uncertain positions. In 2022, amid heightened tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Borisov stated that Russia planned to leave the ISS after 2024. However, by 2023, the country committed to extending its participation until at least 2028, signaling a more collaborative approach. Now, with plans aligned to deorbit the ISS, Russia appears fully on board with NASA’s long-standing timeline.
NASA, in preparation for the ISS’s controlled reentry, contracted SpaceX in June to develop a specialized vehicle capable of safely guiding the station into the Earth’s atmosphere, where it will burn up upon reentry. The decision reflects the growing challenges of maintaining the ISS, which has experienced numerous technical issues in recent years.
Borisov highlighted these challenges, noting that Russian cosmonauts spend more time repairing the station’s aging infrastructure than conducting scientific experiments. The Russian segment of the ISS has faced persistent leaks and equipment failures, including coolant system malfunctions in both Soyuz and Progress spacecraft.
While Borisov presented a cooperative front during the interview, he also acknowledged the economic difficulties Russia faces in expanding its private space sector. He pointed to high inflation and interest rates as barriers to attracting investment, though he expressed hope for improved conditions in the future. Despite these obstacles, Borisov reaffirmed plans to launch a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink by 2030, though he admitted such an endeavor would require significant resources and time to develop the necessary heavy-launch capabilities.
This pragmatic tone contrasts sharply with Borisov’s predecessor, Dmitry Rogozin, who was known for inflammatory and erratic statements. Rogozin once threatened to crash the ISS into the United States during the early days of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. By comparison, Borisov’s comments reflect a more measured and cooperative approach, even as the geopolitical landscape remains tense.