International partners have reached a consensus on the potential for research aboard the International Space Station (ISS) by 2030, a position outlined by Yuri Borisov, the General Director of Roscosmos. This update reflects a shared outlook among national space agencies to advance collaborative science in low Earth orbit and to explore the long-term role of the ISS within a broader program of international experimentation. The plan envisions continued utilization after 2030, marking a pivotal moment when the partners agreed that this timeframe is appropriate to intensify research on the station.
Borisov noted that the Russian segment of the ISS could be displaced and flooded in a scenario of reconfiguration, indicating possible changes to how the Russian module is integrated within the orbiting platform. He added that Russian colleagues may also explore space tourism options using the ISS framework after 2030, suggesting a diversification of activities that could accompany scientific work in orbit.
During a briefing to the Russian President in June, Borisov outlined a proposal to create a dedicated Russian orbital platform, the Russian Orbital Station (ROS), with a planned operations window through to 2032. He argued that the ROS would operate more efficiently than the current Russian segment of the ISS, while acknowledging ongoing financial and administrative pressures tied to the project and the broader costs involved in building and maintaining such facilities.
Earlier, in April, the Roscosmos chief told the President that the Cabinet of Ministers had formally approved extending the operational life of the Russian portion of the ISS until 2028. This decision aligns with a strategy to maximize science return and maintain a continuous presence in space while Russian entities assess future orbital infrastructure options. The discussions underscore a shared priority: sustaining national capabilities in space research while engaging international partners to pursue ambitious experiments in microgravity and related disciplines. The evolving plans also reflect a careful consideration of budgetary realities and geopolitical factors that influence long-range space activities.
In a broader sense, these developments illustrate the ongoing interest in expanding Russia’s contribution to orbital research, technology demonstrations, and potential commercial applications. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of stable international cooperation in space exploration and the need to balance scientific goals with practical funding and governance structures. As the ISS evolves and new platforms like ROS are envisioned, the global community faces foundational questions about operational lifespans, modular integration, and the pathways for future crewed and unmanned missions. Official statements consistently frame these negotiations as part of a constructive, long-term effort to advance humanity’s presence in space while safeguarding national interests and scientific leadership. Attribution: Roscosmos press office