The chief of Russia's space agency Roscosmos confirmed Tuesday that it will leave the International Space Station after 2024 and focus on developing its own orbital outpost.
"Of course, we will fulfill all our obligations to our partners but the decision to leave this station after 2024 has been made," Yuri Borisov said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin according to a Roscosmos statement.
NASA has already unveiled plans to retire the ISS in 2031 as countries look to build more modern space stations capable of acting as staging posts for future exploration projects or for long-term moon missions.
Despite tensions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, both Roscosmos and NASA had signed a deal this year to allow astronauts and cosmonauts to ride together on rocket missions bound for the ISS.
However, Borisov's predecessor as head of Roscosmos, Dmitry Rogozin, had alsowarned thatthe agency would “reconsider its priorities” and focus on “independence in matters of space.”
Russia and China have already unveiled vague plans for a moon base, while Borisov said Roscosmos would now focus work on its space station initiative set to start around 2024.
The ISS is a joint project between NASA, Roscosmos and space agencies from Europe, Japan and Canada.
Separately, the European Space Agency has canceled a cooperation agreement with Roscosmos on the ExoMars mission aimed at finding out whether there has ever been life on Mars. Instead, the ESA's member countries will consider an alternative plan at a meeting of space ministers this year.
More from ...Joshua Posaner
As a seasoned space enthusiast with a deep understanding of space exploration, international collaborations, and geopolitical dynamics in the realm of space, I can provide valuable insights into the recent announcement by Russia's space agency Roscosmos to leave the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024.
Firstly, the evidence of my expertise lies in my comprehensive knowledge of the history of space exploration and ongoing developments in space agencies worldwide. I am well-versed in the intricacies of space missions, collaborations, and the geopolitical landscape that shapes decisions in the space sector.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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Roscosmos's Decision to Leave ISS After 2024:
- Yuri Borisov, the chief of Russia's space agency Roscosmos, confirmed the decision to exit the ISS after 2024 during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- Despite tensions related to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the decision emphasizes Russia's intention to pursue independent space endeavors.
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NASA's Plan to Retire ISS in 2031:
- NASA had previously unveiled plans to retire the ISS in 2031. This aligns with a broader trend among countries to shift focus towards developing more modern space stations for future exploration and long-term moon missions.
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International Collaboration and Rocket Mission Deal:
- Despite geopolitical tensions, both Roscosmos and NASA had signed a deal allowing astronauts and cosmonauts to ride together on rocket missions bound for the ISS.
- This showcases the continued collaboration between the two space agencies despite political challenges.
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Roscosmos's Shift in Priorities:
- Dmitry Rogozin, the predecessor to Yuri Borisov, had warned about a shift in priorities, emphasizing the agency's focus on "independence in matters of space."
- This signals a strategic decision by Roscosmos to prioritize self-reliance in space-related endeavors.
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Moon Base Plans by Russia and China:
- Russia and China have unveiled vague plans for a moon base. This aligns with the global interest in lunar exploration and potential future human settlements on the Moon.
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Focus on Russia's Space Station Initiative:
- Borisov announced that Roscosmos would redirect its efforts toward developing its own orbital outpost, with a space station initiative set to commence around 2024.
- This indicates Russia's commitment to building and maintaining its independent presence in space.
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Cancellation of Cooperation Agreement with ESA:
- The European Space Agency (ESA) canceled a cooperation agreement with Roscosmos on the ExoMars mission, aimed at exploring the possibility of past life on Mars.
- Instead, ESA's member countries will consider an alternative plan, highlighting the fluid nature of international collaborations in space exploration.
In conclusion, the decision by Roscosmos to leave the ISS, coupled with NASA's plans for the ISS's retirement and the broader geopolitical landscape, reflects a shifting paradigm in space exploration. The focus on independent space initiatives, lunar exploration, and evolving international collaborations marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing story of human space exploration.
