Russia has now officially thrown its support behind NASA’s plan to retire the International Space Station (ISS) at the start of the next decade. This marks a significant shift for Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, whose leadership has wavered on its commitment to the aging orbital outpost in recent years.
A History of Uncertainty
Roscosmos head Yuri Borisov announced during a televised interview with RBC TV that Russia plans to de-orbit the ISS “in coordination with our American colleagues” around 2030. Borisov noted that the exact plan will likely depend on decisions made by future NASA administrations.
This cooperative stance represents a stark departure from earlier rhetoric. In 2022, just months after Russia invaded Ukraine, Borisov declared that Russia would leave the ISS after 2024. By 2023, however, he reversed course, agreeing to extend Russia’s participation until at least 2028.
These shifting positions reflect broader uncertainty within Russia’s space program, as well as the strained geopolitical climate since the Ukraine conflict began.
Why Retire the ISS?
NASA has long planned to retire the ISS in 2030, citing its deteriorating condition and high maintenance costs. Earlier this year, the agency contracted SpaceX to design a specialized “US Deorbit Vehicle” to safely pull the station from orbit and ensure its controlled reentry into Earth’s atmosphere.
Borisov echoed these concerns during his interview, emphasizing the ISS’s aging infrastructure. “Today, our cosmonauts spend more time repairing equipment and less time conducting experiments,” he said.
Indeed, the Russian segment of the station has faced numerous technical issues. Cosmonauts have been busy identifying and addressing leaks, including multiple coolant failures that affected a Soyuz spacecraft in 2022 and a Progress cargo vehicle in 2023.
The Bigger Picture: Russia’s Space Industry in Transition
The decision to align with NASA’s timeline comes as Russia struggles to modernize its space program. Borisov admitted that the country’s efforts to develop a private space industry remain in their infancy. “This is a very risky business for potential investors,” he said, noting that economic challenges like inflation and high interest rates have further complicated progress.
Borisov hinted that Russia’s war in Ukraine might also be hampering its ambitions. The conflict has likely drained resources that could have been used to fund space initiatives, making it harder to pursue independent projects such as a new Russian space station.
Despite these challenges, Borisov expressed optimism about the future. He guaranteed that Russia would launch a competitor to SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network by 2030. However, he acknowledged that developing a super-heavy launch platform for such endeavors remains a costly and distant goal.
A Shift in Tone
Compared to his predecessor Dmitry Rogozin, Borisov’s approach appears more measured and pragmatic. Rogozin, known for his inflammatory statements, once threatened to crash the ISS into the United States during a heated moment in 2022.
In contrast, Borisov focused on collaboration and realism during his recent interview. He highlighted the shared challenges of maintaining the ISS and expressed hope for better economic conditions to support private investment in Russia’s space industry.
What Does This Mean for the Future?
Russia’s decision to support the ISS de-orbit plan signals a potential thaw in space relations with the United States, even as geopolitical tensions persist. The collaboration also underscores the practical reality of space exploration: partnerships remain essential, especially when dealing with complex and costly projects like the ISS.
As both nations prepare for the post-ISS era, questions remain about how each will navigate the transition. While NASA is forging ahead with its Artemis program and commercial partnerships, Russia faces the dual challenge of modernizing its space program and addressing domestic economic hurdles.
By aligning with NASA’s timeline for retiring the ISS, Russia demonstrates a willingness to remain part of the international space community — at least for now. Whether this cooperation will extend to future projects remains to be seen.