Geopolitics Hijacks Space: ISS Faces Demise Sooner Than Expected

The International Space Station (ISS) may be completely removed from orbit by 2030. According to Marat Abubekerov, a PhD in Physics and Mathematics and senior researcher in the Department of Stellar Astrophysics at Lomonosov Moscow State University's Sternberg Astronomical Institute, the process of deorbiting the complex is scheduled to begin in 2028. While the timeline for the station's operation is frequently extended due to a lack of immediate replacements, current discussions between Roscosmos and NASA focus on the final stages of the mission. Dmitry Bakanov, head of Roscosmos, stated that the parties are negotiating technical aspects of the project's conclusion and the subsequent safe sinking of the structures. This final phase requires complex engineering calculations to ensure debris lands in uninhabited areas of the ocean. Marat Abubekerov, Senior Researcher at GAISH MSU: "I believe that the issue is not that the ISS has become obsolete, but that disagreements are arising in peaceful space. It would be strange if the Americans, acting as opponents of our foreign policy, suddenly maintained friendship with us in space. Space is becoming a hostage to the political situation."