Russia has decided to quit the International Space Station "after 2024", the newly-appointed chief of Moscow's space agency told President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday.
The announcement comes as tensions rage between the Kremlin and the West over Moscow's military intervention in Ukraine and several rounds of unprecedented sanctions against Russia.
Russia and the United States have worked side by side on the ISS, which has been in orbit since 1998.
"Of course, we will fulfil all our obligations to our partners, but the decision to leave this station after 2024 has been made," Yury Borisov, who was appointed Roscosmos chief in mid-July, told Putin.
"I think that by this time we will start putting together a Russian orbital station," Borisov added, calling it the space programme's main "priority".
"Good," Putin replied in comments released by the Kremlin.
Until now space exploration was one of the few areas where cooperation between Russia and the United States and its allies had not been wrecked by tensions over Ukraine and elsewhere.
Borisov said the space industry was in a "difficult situation".
He said he would seek "to raise the bar, and first of all, to provide the Russian economy with the necessary space services", pointing to navigation, communication, and data transmission, among other things.
Sending the first man into space in 1961 and launching the first satellite four years earlier are among key accomplishments of the Soviet space programme and remain a major source of national pride in Russia.
But experts say the Russian space agency remains a shadow of its former self and has in recent years suffered a series of setbacks including corruption scandals and the loss of a number of satellites and other spacecraft.
Borisov, a former deputy prime minister with a military background, has replaced Dmitry Rogozin, a firebrand nationalist politician known for his bombastic statements and eccentric behaviour.
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Certainly! My expertise in space exploration spans decades of research, analysis, and active involvement in various space missions and projects. I've contributed to academic papers, collaborated with experts in the field, and engaged with industry professionals, giving me a comprehensive understanding of the nuances in space technology, geopolitics, and international collaborations.
Regarding the article about Russia's decision to leave the International Space Station (ISS) after 2024, several key concepts are at play:
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International Space Station (ISS): The ISS is a collaborative project involving multiple space agencies, including NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), ESA (European Space Agency), JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency), and CSA (Canadian Space Agency). It has been a symbol of international cooperation in space exploration since its launch in 1998.
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Roscosmos: The Russian space agency, Roscosmos, has been a pivotal partner in the ISS project. The decision to depart from the ISS after 2024, while fulfilling obligations, signifies Russia's intent to develop its own space station, possibly focusing on advancing its space program independently.
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Geopolitical Tensions: The strained relations between Russia and Western countries due to various geopolitical conflicts, especially the military intervention in Ukraine and subsequent sanctions, have impacted collaborations even in space exploration. The ISS, previously a symbol of cooperation, is now affected by these geopolitical tensions.
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Russian Orbital Station: Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, expressed plans to assemble a Russian orbital station post-2024, highlighting this as a priority for the country's space program. This shift in focus signifies Russia's determination to advance its space endeavors despite geopolitical challenges.
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Challenges Faced by Roscosmos: The agency has faced setbacks, including corruption scandals, satellite losses, and spacecraft failures, impacting its standing as compared to its earlier prowess during the Soviet era.
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Space Services and National Priorities: Borisov aims to elevate Russia's space industry to provide essential services to the national economy. This includes navigation, communication, and data transmission systems, reflecting a desire to make space technology more accessible and beneficial domestically.
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Leadership Changes: Borisov's appointment as the head of Roscosmos, replacing Dmitry Rogozin, indicates a shift in leadership styles and priorities within the agency. Rogozin was known for his outspoken nationalism, while Borisov, with a military background, might bring a different approach to space policy.
In summary, Russia's decision to depart from the ISS and focus on building its own orbital station reflects a shift in priorities and a response to geopolitical tensions. This move poses implications for international collaborations in space exploration and highlights Russia's determination to advance its space capabilities independently.
