MOSCOW, July 16. /TASS/. The decision to extend the operation of the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2030 will give Russia ample time to make a smooth transition to bringing the Russian Orbital Station (ROS) online, Hero of Russia and Head of the Yury Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center Oleg Kononenko told TASS.
"The decision to continue the operation of the Russian segment of the ISS until 2030 was expected, and it’s a good one. The station's service life is not unlimited, and its deorbiting is already moving from theory to practice. Against this background, the regular extension of the ISS’s operational life is no longer just a tactical step, but a necessary stage in the transition to the ROS. Because each additional year in orbit provides the foundation for developing technologies and completing scientific cycles that would be irrational to interrupt. This decision provides an important time buffer that will allow for a smooth transition without losing competencies or presence in the manned space program," Kononenko said.
The Cosmonaut Training Center head noted that, according to the current architecture, the first ROS modules are planned to be docked to the Russian ISS segment. "This is a pragmatic approach, therefore, we are using as the foundation the existing infrastructure and accumulated experience. At the same time, we are preparing the base for work on the new station. Therefore, in my view, extending the mission until 2030 is a reasonable step ensuring our continuity. This will become a kind of bridge for a new stage of Russian manned spaceflight, which will allow us to both maintain an orbital presence and create a technological platform for future missions based on the colossal experience accumulated on the ISS," Kononenko stated.
