Russia and the United States will extend the operation of the oldest module of the International Space Station, the Zarya functional cargo block, until the end of 2032. Work has already begun, said Denis Deniskins, General Director of the Khrunichev Center.
We are talking about the first ISS module, which was launched into orbit on November 20, 1998. It was with it that the formation of the station began. By the end of the new term of operation, Zarya will have worked for more than 30 years.
It is planned to carry out similar work to extend the service life of the Zvezda module.
Engineers constantly monitor the systems of the modules, participate in the preparation of crews and the replacement of equipment.
Special attention is paid to hulls, engines, thermal control and power supply systems, Deniskins added. The service life of the Russian segment of the ISS directly depends on the condition of these components.
Russia and the United States are discussing extending the operation of the ISS after 2028, noted Sergey Krikalev, Deputy Head of Roscosmos. Russia is simultaneously preparing its own orbital station — the launch of the project is scheduled from 2028. It should replace the ISS and become a base for more distant missions.
