Since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, tensions between Russia and the countries that make up the ISS (International Space Station) have been increasing, finally the time came when they became unsustainable, so Russia made the decision to abandon the operation. and participation in the ISS.

Let’s recap how it came to this and how it will affect the operations of the ISS, on February 24 Russia invaded Ukraine, this caused alarm around the world, as Ukraine announced its intentions to join NATO and the European Union , which was considered by the Kremlin as a provocation.

During the invasion, tensions between Russia and NATO increased, which affected the space agencies that make up the ISS, ESA, NASA and ROSKOSMOS. In April and May, Dmity Rogozing, the former director of the ROSKOSMOS agency, threatened with drop the ISS, in North America, the Atlantic or somewhere in Europe, this because the Russian thrusters are the ones that keep the station in orbit.

This is due to the commercial embargo suffered by Russia in retaliation for the invasion; since within the embargo are aerospace aeronautics components, essential pieces for the Russian space program. After this there were some glimpses of peace where the Russian cosmonauts dressed in uniforms with the Ukrainian colors, it was assured that it was mere coincidence, but the controversy would soon return, the Exo Mars case, where the cosmonauts posed with the flags of the disputed territories of the Dombas, while Rogozin ordered a work stoppage, ESA and NASA accused Russia of sabotaging the mission.

Rogozin was removed from the position as director of ROSKOSMOS, but far from easing the tension, it seems that he was promoted, to a position related to the invasion. Yuri Borisov, the new director of ROSCOSMOS, seems to follow a similar line as Rogozin. The Kremlin finally announced that after 2024 Russia will officially withdraw from the ISS with the intention of building its own station.

Although NASA has not yet officially received this message, it seems that they will continue with their plan, but earlier this month an agreement was signed between the members of the ISS and ROSKOSMOS, in which astronauts would be allowed to travel. However, relations have deteriorated so much that Rogozing’s threat remains a cause for concern.

The ISS is not the only one that was affected by the war, other projects such as the joint launch of a rover to Mars between ROSKOSMOS and ESA, the launches of the Soyuz capsule in French Guiana were also stopped, although with the signing of the deal are expected to resume.

The situation remains tense both on land and in space, the fate of the ISS is uncertain as such, the 6-year extension planned by NASA is in doubt, and although SPACE X made a statement to replace ROSKOSMOS, it is not nothing has been confirmed, not even a statement on said offer. Abrir en Google Traductor • Comentarios

This was the recapitulation of the conflict on the ISS, as well as the official decision of the Kremlin to leave the ISS permanently, what do you think about the Russian decision?