Following China's example, Russia is planning on building its own orbital outpost once its commitments with the International Space Station (ISS) have been fulfilled.
"Of course, we will fulfil all our obligations to our partners but the decision to leave this station after 2024 has been made," Yuri Borisov, leader of the Russian space agency Roscosmos, said during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
“I think that by that time we will start forming a Russian orbiting station,” he added.
Although expected, the announcement throws into question the future of the 24-year-old space station, with experts saying it would be extremely difficult, and even a “nightmare”, to maintain the orbiting post without Russia's involvement.
The ISS has for many years symbolised international collaboration, and countries continue to work together on the project despite ongoing conflicts such as the war in Ukraine. However, in recent years...