[Reading Science] US-Russia, Enemies on Earth but Buddies in Space(?)

Russia Agrees to Extend ISS Operations
US "Will Continue Cooperation"
A 'Win-Win' Decision Benefiting Both Sides

Although the United States and Russia are at odds over the Ukraine war and sanctions on the ground, they maintain a "harmonious" relationship exclusively regarding the International Space Station (ISS). They prioritize practical benefits over ideology, alliances, or pride in areas where cooperation is necessary. This time, it has been confirmed that Russia agreed to the U.S. request to extend the ISS operation. It is analyzed that both sides see this as a 'win-win' situation, as the U.S. can reduce operating and deorbiting costs, and Russia also benefits.

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced on the 27th (local time) that the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) has agreed to extend the ISS's operational deadline from the original 2024 to 2028. Prior to this, other ISS partners such as the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), the European Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) had already agreed to extend operations until 2030.

On the 25th, Russia sent a letter signed by Yuri Borisov, head of the Federal Space Agency, to other ISS partners notifying them of their agreement to extend operations. Director Borisov stated on social media, "The ISS program is the largest and most successful international project conducted in space," adding, "I am pleased to contribute to the continued operation of this very special laboratory (space station) and to realizing humanity's boldest ideas in space exploration." Russia has played a key role in ISS operations. For instance, the propulsion module used for altitude maintenance and avoidance maneuvers on the ISS is the Progress cargo spacecraft developed by Russia. Until recently, before SpaceX established a partnership with NASA, the Russian Soyuz launch vehicle was solely responsible for transporting crew and cargo to the ISS.

The ISS was constructed starting in 1998 and completed in 2011. It orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km, traveling at a speed of about 7 km per second (approximately 25,000 km per hour). Weighing around 400 tons, with a length of 108.5 meters and a width of 72.8 meters, it is comparable in size to a World Cup soccer stadium. It is considered the largest spacecraft ever built by humanity and the most expensive single structure. The ISS's microgravity environment is highly suitable for space science research and manned space technology development. It offers significant advantages over Earth-based facilities for bio-pharmaceutical development such as cancer treatments and artificial organs, advanced manufacturing including semiconductor technology development and mass production, crystal manufacturing, life sciences research on plants and animals, and space medicine research.

However, after more than a decade since its completion, frequent issues have arisen. Cracks were discovered in modules and docking spacecraft three times?in 2018, 2021, and last February?prompting the launch of replacement spacecraft. The original plan was for the ISS to be decommissioned in 2024.

In response, NASA has been pushing a plan to extend the ISS's lifespan by six years through repairs, expansions, and enhanced maintenance, aiming to operate it until 2030. Afterward, the plan is to fill the gap by building commercial space stations with private companies like Axiom Space and jointly constructing the Lunar Gateway for lunar exploration.

However, Russia's objections delayed the finalization of the extension plan. In 2019, Russia announced plans to build a separate space station and withdraw from the ISS after 2024. Especially after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it seemed to have solidified its withdrawal from the ISS in response to international sanctions. From the U.S. perspective, if Russia withdraws, the costs for operation and maintenance, as well as the approximately $200 million needed to build a separate propulsion vehicle for deorbiting after 2030, would be a significant burden. This is why NASA has continued cooperation with Russia regarding the ISS even after the outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war. Unlike other sectors where sanctions have intensified, NASA has clearly stated both domestically and internationally its intention to continue collaboration with Russia in the ISS domain.

In fact, NASA Administrator Bill Nelson explained at a House Science Committee hearing on the 27th, "We built the ISS with Russia and must operate it jointly," adding, "That principle remains unchanged today."