Russian cosmonauts completed work in open space an hour earlier

Russian cosmonauts Sergei Prokopiev and Dmitry Petelin, who are on the International Space Station, completed their work in outer space an hour earlier, RIA Novosti reports citing a report by Roscosmos.

The Russians have reportedly returned safely to the ISS. The total duration of work in open space was 5 hours 14 minutes instead of the planned 6 hours 18 minutes.

As noted, Prokopiev and Dmitry Petelin managed to solve additional tasks.

Earlier, Prokopiev said that with the help of the lock chamber, which the cosmonauts transferred from the Rassvet module to the Nauka module, it would be possible to place equipment for scientific experiments in outer space without leaving the ISS.

Earlier, it was repeatedly reported about Russia’s plans to leave the ISS project, including due to the high wear of its modules. According to the general director of Roscosmos, Russia’s withdrawal from the ISS project could take place no earlier than 2024. Later, he also spoke about the possibility of extending the operation of the ISS until 2028 “with a high probability”, and even for a longer period, depending on the state of the station.

In October, Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Ministry of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation Denis Manturov said that Moscow considers it possible to extend the operation of the ISS until 2028. According to him, this is due to the timing of the deployment of the deployment of the Russian orbital station (ROS) in the minimum configuration. Manturov noted that the possible signing of documents with other participants in the ISS program on the extension of the operation of the station will be carried out in accordance with the established procedure, after passing official procedures in the national space agencies and governments of all participating countries. He also noted that Russian specialists have confirmed the technical feasibility of extending the service life of the modules and equipment of the Russian segment of the ISS. Also, a plan for their further operation is currently being prepared. According to him, when deciding to extend the participation of the Russian side in the ISS program, the Russian Federation will proceed from the principles of the continuity of the domestic manned program, maintaining design and production competencies, as well as maintaining the prestige and technological sovereignty of the country.

The station is planned to be deorbited in 2030-2031. It is planned that after that work in low Earth orbit will continue to be carried out by stations developed by private companies.