Roskosmos notes that no final decision has been made by the International Space Station partner nations regarding the timetable for retiring the orbiting laboratory. Reports carried by TASS through the space agency’s press service indicate ongoing discussions, yet a concrete date for winding down has not been established. The absence of a definitive milestone reflects a careful, multi faceted planning process that weighs technical readiness, international cooperation, and safety considerations before any long term disposition of the space platform is finalized. While conversations about extending operations continue, a firm retirement timeline remains undecided. The issue stays active as engineers, policymakers, and international partners evaluate risks, costs, and benefits across several potential scenarios, all within a framework of shared responsibility and global oversight.
Former pilot-cosmonaut Sergei Ryzhikov shared his view on how long the station could stay in service. He suggested the International Space Station could operate through 2028 if design teams secure adequate resources and sustain strict safety margins. Ryzhikov also highlighted a practical factor in de orbit planning: should a decision be taken to end operations, a substantial amount of propellant would be needed to steer the station from its orbit and ensure it burns up in the remote reaches of the World Ocean, far from populated areas. His remarks underscore a careful balance between ongoing scientific use and the technical and environmental risks linked to reentry and disposal. The statements from Roskosmos and the coverage by TASS emphasize that the situation remains contingent on continuous assessments and coordinated international action, reflecting the shared nature of this decision among space agencies across North America and beyond.
Canada and the United States, along with other partners, are monitoring closely how technical readiness, budget considerations, and public safety concerns intersect with international diplomacy. In practical terms, any future decision will likely require phased planning that aligns orbital operations with safe, controlled deorbit scenarios or, alternatively, a managed long term transition plan if a retirement path is chosen. The ongoing dialogue illustrates how the station’s fate intersects with national interests, scientific programs, and the broader aims of international cooperation in low earth orbit exploration. The overall trajectory remains one of cautious advancement, with no haste to close the chapter before data, risk assessments, and collaborative agreements point toward a well supported path forward, as observed in briefings and independent analyses cited in coverage from Roskosmos and TASS, reputable sources in space policy reporting.”