The future of the ISS hangs in the balance as Russia says it will pull out over sanctions

RUSSIA could withdraw from the ISS within 12 months, messing up future space missions.

After weeks of threats, Putin’s space chief said the country would finally exit the space station.

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Roscosmos boss Dmitry Rogozin blamed increasing sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

He promised to terminate his US colleague Nasa a year in advance.

It is unclear how the partners can proceed without Russia’s involvement.

Nasa has long relied on Roscosmos to launch its astronauts into space, though it will soon turn to Elon Musk’s SpaceX for that.

Russia also takes care of thrusters that control the station’s orbit and location.

“The decision has already been made, we are not obliged to speak publicly about it,” he told Russian media.

“All I can say is that, in line with our commitments, we will give our partners one year’s notice of the end of our work on the ISS.”

The war in Ukraine has rattled space ties between Russia and the West – a rare area that has historically withstood conflict.

With tensions at an all-time high, Europe was forced to do so stops his first mission to Marsscheduled to launch later this year in partnership with Roscosmos.

At the beginning of the conflict, Russia warned that this was possible Throw the ISS at the USA or Europe if sanctions continue.

NASA wants to continue using it ISS by 2030.

The US space agency has been exploring ways to continue operating the station if Russia withdraws, although doing so could be time-consuming and costly.

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