Reuters
The International Space Station (ISS) could suffer "irreparable" failures due to outdated equipment and hardware, a Russian official has warned.
At least 80 percent of in-flight systems on the Russian segment of the ISS had passed their expiry date, Vladimir Solovyov told state media.
He also said small cracks had been discovered that could worsen over time.
Russia has often raised concerns over hardware and has suggested it could leave the ISS after 2025.
The station was built in 1998 as part of a joint project between Russia, America, Canada, Japan and several European countries and was originally designed for a 15-year lifespan.
Mr Solovyov, the chief engineer at the space company Energia, which is the leading developer of Russia's section of the ISS, said: "Literally a day after the [in-flight] systems are fully exhausted, irreparable failures may begin."
He warned last year that much of the equipment on the station was starting to age and would soon need to be replaced.
The former cosmonaut also announced that "superficial" cracks had been discovered on Russia's Zarya cargo module. Launched in 1998, it is one of the oldest modules of the ISS and is now primarily used for storage.
"This is bad and suggests that the fissures will begin to spread over time," Mr Solovyov told the RIA news agency.
In April, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov told state TV that aging metal on the station could "lead to irreversible consequences - to catastrophe. We mustn't let that happen".
And Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, said last year that structural fatigue meant the ISS would not be capable of operating beyond 2030.
Russia's space programme has been hit by a series of budget cuts and corruption scandals in recent years. Its section of the ISS has also faced a string of problems.
In July, a malfunction caused the jet thrusters on the country's Nauka research model to fire without warning, destabilising the ISS.
Its Zvezda service module, which provides living quarters for ISS crew members, has also experienced several air leaks since 2019.
Despite these setbacks, the country's space agency has promised a series of ambitious ventures, including a mission to Venus, the creation of a rocket capable of making round trips into space and a mission to the Moon's surface next year.
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As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the field of space exploration and technology, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to shed light on the recent warning about the International Space Station (ISS) facing potential "irreparable" failures. With a background in space science and technology, I have closely followed developments in the ISS and related space programs, enabling me to provide valuable insights into the challenges and concerns raised by Russian officials.
Vladimir Solovyov, the chief engineer at Energia, the leading developer of Russia's section of the ISS, has issued a stark warning about the outdated equipment and hardware jeopardizing the station's integrity. My extensive knowledge in space systems allows me to emphasize the gravity of Solovyov's statement. The revelation that at least 80 percent of the in-flight systems on the Russian segment of the ISS have surpassed their expiry date is a critical concern. This information aligns with my awareness of the aging infrastructure on the ISS, originally built in 1998 with a 15-year lifespan in mind.
Solovyov's assertion that small cracks have been discovered on the Russian Zarya cargo module, one of the oldest modules on the ISS, further underscores the potential risks. Drawing on my expertise, I understand the implications of these cracks, especially given their location on a module primarily used for storage. The notion that these cracks could worsen over time and lead to "irreparable" failures highlights the urgency of addressing the aging components.
Additionally, Russia's Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov's statement on the possibility of catastrophic consequences due to aging metal aligns with my knowledge of the broader challenges facing Russia's space program. Budget cuts, corruption scandals, and technical malfunctions have plagued the program, impacting the ISS and raising concerns about its future.
Furthermore, the mention of structural fatigue preventing the ISS from operating beyond 2030, as stated by Roscosmos, the Russian space agency, resonates with my understanding of the ongoing issues and limitations faced by the aging space station.
In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge of space exploration, technology, and the ISS allows me to contextualize and elucidate the gravity of the warnings issued by Russian officials. The potential for "irreparable" failures underscores the critical need for international collaboration and investment in space infrastructure to ensure the continued success and safety of human presence in space.
