News Update on ISS Cooperation and Possible Future Scenarios
During the ISS Research Conference held in Washington from July 25 to July 28, NASA’s ISS Program Manager provided a cautious update about the status of the United States’ engagement with Russia on the International Space Station. The official stated that NASA had not received any formal notification about a withdrawal from the Russian segment or a broader plan to exit the ISS partnership. This clarification was framed as part of a broader dialogue in which both nations are considering the next steps for human spaceflight after the year 2024, a period during which many space agencies are reassessing their long-term commitments and possible new configurations for orbital research platforms.
The NASA representative emphasized that, at present, no formal decisions have been issued by Moscow or by NASA regarding a change in the joint operating framework. He noted that, as with the United States, Russia is conducting internal reviews to determine the trajectories and implications of continuing or restructuring cooperation on the ISS beyond 2024. The language used signaled a mutual interest in maintaining at least a continued, collaborative presence in space research, even as both sides weigh strategic options and potential developments for post-ISS activities. This stance reflects the ongoing importance each nation places on sustaining high-value scientific missions in low Earth orbit through a shared platform that has become a cornerstone of international space research and technology development.
In parallel, Gates highlighted that the practical collaboration between the United States and Russia on ISS operations persists. This ongoing cooperation includes technical exchanges, joint experiments, and coordinated mission planning that help ensure the stability and safety of ISS operations while broader policy discussions continue. The continuity of day-to-day cooperation demonstrates a commitment to science and exploration that transcends political differences, reinforcing the notion that the ISS serves as a platform for international partnership even amid evolving national policies and strategic priorities.
Earlier, Yuri Borisov, the head of Roscosmos, spoke in a broader context about Russia’s strategic direction for its space program. During a meeting with the president, Borisov referenced a decision to withdraw from the ISS project after 2024, indicating that Russia intends to pursue the development of its own orbital platform. He characterized the coming years as a transition period, during which Russia would shift focus to building a national orbital station and advancing domestic capabilities in space hardware, propulsion, and research facilities. The remarks suggested a clear intent to diversify Russia’s orbital research architecture and to reduce reliance on foreign platforms for critical experiments and advanced technology demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Dmitry Peskov, the press secretary for the Russian president, commented on the timing of the decision, noting that the intent to withdraw was established earlier and not a reaction to recent events. This clarification helped set expectations about the pace of any formal policy moves and the scheduling of milestones for Russia’s independent orbital program. The exchange of statements from Moscow and Washington underscores the complexity of coordinating long-term space infrastructure across different national programs, with continued dialogues aimed at preserving continuity in scientific inquiry and knowledge sharing even as new vehicles for collaboration are explored.