The service life of the International Space Station (ISS) will be extended. This was announced by the head of the flight of the Russian segment of the orbital complex Vladimir Solovyov.

Earlier, the countries participating in the project agreed to operate the ISS until 2024. However, Roskosmos is counting on an increase in the lifetime of the station – the corresponding negotiations have already been initiated with other states.

The orbital complex is now reported to be in use until at least the end of this decade.

«Until the 30th [until 2030], or maybe a little more, we, in general, plan to operate it with a smooth completion of the flight“- quotes” RIA Novosti “statements by Mr. Solovyov.

In the foreseeable future, the ISS will be replenished with three Russian modules. So, in the coming summer, in July, the “Science” block will be launched, the creation of which has been delayed for a quarter of a century. In the fall of this year, it is planned to deliver the “Prichal” nodal block into orbit. And in 2024, a scientific and energy module (SEM) is expected to go to the ISS.

Meanwhile, the project of the Russian Orbital Service Station (ROSS), which will replace the ISS, is already being discussed. In accordance with existing plans, ROSS will combine at least five modules, which will be launched into orbit from the Plesetsk and Vostochny cosmodromes using Angara-A5 rockets.