Says ISS Will Be Dismantled In 2015

An official with the Russian Space Agency told RIA Novosti this week the International Space Station will be dismantled a mere five years after construction efforts are due to wrap up in 2010... and replaced with a new orbital station.

"It is necessary because at present we can monitor less than 10% of Russian territory, but with a new station the coverage will be increased tenfold," said Vitaly Davydov, deputy head of the agency. 

In addition, the new space station would be used to produce materials that are impossible to manufacture on Earth and offer improved ways of remotely monitoring the Earth.

Davydov says Russia will test technologies for space travel to the Moon and Mars onboard the new station from 2015 to 2025. He also says after 2025, they're planning to start the preparation for interplanetary missions.

And, Davydov hinted, such international projects will likely require international help, as well. The current partnership between the US and Russia on the ISS is set to expire in 2015.

No comment yet from NASA on Russia's plans... although we imagine the US space agency's reaction might be along the lines of, 'let's finish the one we have first.'

FMI: www.roscosmos.ru/index.asp?Lang=ENG