The United States imposed sanctions on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. These sanctions included a ban on technology transfers and on Russian banks. As a result, the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, stated that it would not collaborate with Germany on joint experiments in the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS).
Russia’s Role in the ISS
The ISS is an international effort from five space agencies — NASA (US), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency. Every agency has responsibilities and monetary investment towards the maintenance of the ISS. Russia’s role within this operation lies in maintaining the module that is responsible for adjustments to the ISS orbit. Beyond this, the Russian segment also aids in keeping the space station away from space debris and transporting astronauts to and from the ISS.
Potential Impact of Russia’s Withdrawal
Due to its considerable weight and resulting drag, the ISS tends to sink from its orbit at around 250 miles above the Earth. It requires periodic propulsion to maintain its assigned trajectory. With Russia potentially withdrawing from the ISS cooperation, the process of correcting the ISS orbit could be severely affected. This could lead to the ISS crashing into the sea or land. The ISS does not frequently fly over Russian territory, meaning the risk of crash is more significant for countries closer to the equator.
About the International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS is the most complex international scientific and engineering project to date and the largest human-made structure in space. It serves as a laboratory for technological development and an observation platform for astronomical, environmental, and geological research. The ISS travels at approximately 28,000 kilometers per hour, completing an orbit of the Earth every 90 minutes.
Five space agencies representing 15 countries have invested over $100 billion into the ISS. It consists of modules and connecting nodes that contain living quarters and laboratories, along with exterior trusses for structural support and solar panels for power. The first module, Russia’s Zarya module, launched in 1998.
Possible Substitutes for Russia
Currently, two possible replacements for Russia’s contribution to the ISS exist: SpaceX’s Dragon module and Boeing’s Starliner. Before SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft, Russian spacecrafts were the only vehicles capable of reaching the ISS and returning to Earth. NASA has plans to operate the space station until at least 2020, with a request for an extension until 2024.
The ‘Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’
The ‘Evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project is designed to detect gravitational waves. This experiment employs a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle with sides one million kilometers long and lasers shining between each craft.