The US will extend the operation of the International Space Station until at least 2024. The assistant to the head of NASA, William Gertsenmeier, clarified that this decision was made after a thorough study of the station's condition and consultations with other space agencies. services – partners in the International Space Station (ISS). He added that the station's equipment will be able to operate until 2028.
15 years have passed since the launch of the Russian "Zarya", the first unit of the ISS. Since then, Mr station it has greatly expanded to become the largest human outpost in near space. Its weight reaches 420 tons and its size is larger than a football field. The crew of six is provided with all the conditions for work and rest, such as internet access and fitness equipment. This unique space laboratory is able to work much longer – Alexander Zheleznyakov, a member of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics, is convinced:
There is benefit from the station. Interest from all partners remains alive. Let us hope that the decision of the Americans will be supported by the Europeans, the Japanese and, of course, us. And not just until 2028, but until 2028, the station will be in orbit. The programs and the studies carried out in it are interesting for many branches of science: medicine, technologies and geophysics.
For the service of the Station, 3 billion dollars are spent annually, distributed to all participants in the program. For NASA, the shift beyond 2020 does not involve any additional costs, assures William Gertsenmayer. However, expert Igor Lisov is not sure that they will suffice:
Each large-scale program requires at the end of the means of shutting down, terminating all contracts and finalizing them. I have serious doubts that these funds are sufficient for more than one additional year of operation of the station.
The extension of the term of operation of the station until 2024, not to mention 2028, may not coincide with the plans of the individual members of the ISS program, although at the moment they are placed "in favor". It is not ruled out that at some point they will stop funding it. What can be done? "At NASA we know what to do if our partners are different" - is the confused answer given by the agency. As for Russia, it was in favor of the operation of the plant at least until 2028. And that makes sense: this year the 20-ton Russian multi-purpose laboratory unit will arrive at the ISS, which obviously would not have time to complete the full range of work until the new decade. Thus, the Russian funding of the station is not going to stop. However, an alternative outlet has been prepared for any eventuality: the entire Russian part can be disconnected and start an autonomous orbital flight.
