Russia and US agree to extend ISS operations to 2030

Russia and the United States have agreed to extend the operations of the International Space Station (ISS) until 2030. This extension adds two years to the previous operational timeline.

Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of the Russian Space Corporation Roscosmos, confirmed the agreement, noting that the decision follows a proposal from the United States. The two nations reached an understanding on this matter as of July 14. The ISS provides unique infrastructure that allows both countries to continue conducting orbital experiments through joint cooperation.

Under a 2022 agreement between Roscosmos and NASA, the two nations maintain a system where at least one Russian cosmonaut and one American astronaut are present on the station to support operations in their respective sectors. Bakanov stated that this extension does not impact Russia's plans to develop its own independent orbital space station, with the first module of that project expected to launch in 2028.