Washington, D.C. –
As the era of the International Space Station (ISS) draws to a close, NASA has indicated its openness to future collaboration with Russia and other international partners in the continued exploration of our solar system.
Responding to inquiries about the prospects for U.S.-Russia cooperation in space after the ISS is decommissioned, NASA Press Secretary Bethany Stevens stated, “We welcome international partner interest in joining us as we expand exploration of the solar system for the benefit of humanity.”
This statement follows the release of the U.S. President Donald Trump administration’s proposed federal budget for fiscal year 2026, which begins on October 1st. The budget proposal includes provisions for initiating preparations to de-orbit the ISS in 2030.
According to information published on NASA’s official website, the agency intends to invite its international counterparts to collaborate on upcoming endeavors focused on lunar and Martian exploration.
The International Space Station has been a symbol of international cooperation in space since its initial launch in November 1998. It represents a joint undertaking involving Russia, Canada, the United States, Japan, and the ten member nations of the European Space Agency: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
NASA’s indication of continued partnership with Russia beyond the ISS suggests a potential pathway for sustained collaboration in space exploration, even as the current flagship project nears the end of its operational life.
