The modernization of the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS) will allow its operation to continue for three to five years after 2025, but the cost of such work is high. This was announced by the general designer of the Rocket and Space Corporation (RSC) Energia, flight director of the Russian segment of the ISS, cosmonaut, twice Hero of the Soviet Union Vladimir Solovyov.
He clarified that the corporation has already drawn up and sent to Roscosmos a target program for the modernization of those elements of the Russian segment that are subject to revision.
"The program is estimated at significant funds. For example, now the radio-electronic components that are used on the ISS are no longer produced. Accordingly, it is necessary to launch a single production. This extends the development time, increases the cost. After 2025, the Russian segment can be operated for another 3-5 years, but it will cost significant funds, "Solovyov said in an interview with RIA Novosti.
The day before, the head of the press service of the state corporation Roscosmos, Vladimir Ustimenko, said that the situation with the safety and operability of the ISS for the period up to 2025 is under control.
In November last year, Solovyov said that the corporation's specialists predict "an avalanche-like failure of numerous elements on board the ISS" after 2025. The corporation made a proposal to abandon the operation of the ISS and create a national station and review the terms of further participation in the ISS program, Solovyov noted.
So, earlier on this day it became known that the construction of a new Russian space station could begin in 2027. At the same time, the Russian Federation will continue operating the Russian segment of the ISS for two years.