Russia has announced its intention to withdraw from the ISS project by 2024. As reported, this was announced by the new head of Roscosmos Yuriy Borisov.

“Of course, we will fulfill all our obligations to our partners, but the decision and exit from this station after 2024 has been made,” Borisov said.

He also said that by this time Russia will begin to create its own orbital service station. Roscosmos will focus on “providing the Russian economy with the necessary space services.”

The decision does not contradict the statements of the former head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin, who openly discussed the possibility of Russia withdrawing from the ISS agreement against the background of growing tensions between Russia and the United States. However, Rogozin was known for outlandish threats, due to which his words could not be taken seriously.

At the moment, it is not known what NASA plans in view of Russia’s withdrawal from the project. The agency noted that they did not receive official messages from Roscosmos, but learned about it for the first time from the news. NASA is still planning an extended partnership with Roscosmos until 2030, the date by which the agency hopes to keep the station operational.

Leaving the ISS partnership is more difficult than declaring it. The intergovernmental agreement managing the partnership states that at least one year before the withdrawal, the partner must give written notice of such intention. Without a written notification and indication of a specific time of withdrawal, Russia’s plans remain unclear.

In addition, Rogozin previously stated that a certain amount of time should pass between the creation of its own station and Russia’s exit from the ISS. It may be difficult for Russia to start construction of such a station by 2024.

Elon Musk reacted to Roscosmos’ statement in his characteristic manner, writing “Bon voyage” in French.