Roscosmos expands the Russian segment of the ISS through 2028 amid equipment setbacks
Roscosmos announced that during a recent gathering, the company’s Scientific and Technical Council (NTS) approved a resolution to extend the lifespan of the Russian section of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2028. The information came through Roscosmos’ telegraphic channel and underscored the agency’s intent to maintain a continuous human presence in orbit beyond the original plan.
In the briefing, it was stated that the Presidium of the Scientific and Technical Council met at the Roscosmos State Corporation and discussed the Chief Designers Council’s decision to push the life of the Russian division of the ISS to 2028. The decision aligns with broader goals of sustaining a domestically controlled research corridor in low Earth orbit and preserving ongoing scientific and technical work aboard the station.
Earlier reports indicated a technical issue affecting Progress MS-21, a cargo vehicle designed to resupply the ISS. An external impact led to damage to the Truck Thermal Management System, halting its operations. The incident prompted a review of thermal control components and raised concerns about the readiness of resupply missions during a period of intensified orbital activities.
Depressurization observations tied to the issue were noted on February 11, prompting a temporary pause in upcoming launch plans. The planned unmanned Soyuz MS-23 mission, which would have returned crew from the station to Earth on February 20, faced delays as a result. This sequence of events highlighted the critical role of robust thermal management and reliable ground-to-spaceflight interfaces in maintaining mission continuity.
Industry observers emphasize that extending the ISS timeline for the Russian segment involves meticulous planning around life-support systems, power generation, and docking interfaces. The focus remains on safety, reliability, and the ability to sustain ongoing research programs while coordinating with international partners. The situation also underscores the importance of thorough engineering reviews and contingency planning for orbital assets that operate in a demanding, high-stakes environment.
As developments continue, analysts note the broader strategic objective: to ensure that Russia maintains an essential, self-sufficient presence in the evolving landscape of space research and exploration. The discussions at Roscosmos reflect a commitment to preserving scientific infrastructure that supports a wide array of experiments, technology demonstrations, and international collaborations, even as new low Earth orbit platforms and commercial ventures emerge on the horizon. (attribution: Roscosmos)