Russia 'to save its ISS modules'

Anatoly Zak
BBC Science reporter

Russia is making plans to detach and fly away its parts of the International Space Station when the time comes to de-orbit the rest of the outpost.

Industry officials told BBC News of plans to keep the Russian ISS modules flying around a decade from now.

ISS partners are optimistic they will be able to extend funding for the project beyond a current 2015 deadline.

Read the article HERE.

ISS structure damage from Zvezda boost

Troubled Zvezda ISS boosters may have reduced station lifetime

UPDATE: James Oberg - MSNBC

Shaking on Space Station rattles NASA (VIDEO)

USA Today is reporting an assessment of an orbital boost performed last month may indicate damage has been done to the structural integrity, and shortened the overall lifetime, of the International Space Station. The boost, performed to aid an upcoming rendezvous with a Progress cargo vessel, was undertaken using the troubled built-in boosters in the Russian Zvezda module which was launched and mated to ISS eight years ago. The engines, which cut-off in mid-maneuver, have a troubled history.

Traci Watson of USA Today writes, "NASA is investigating whether moving the International Space Station last month caused structural damage that could cut the station's useful life."

Russian engineers last month sought to position the station to receive a robotic spacecraft on Feb. 13. The rockets cut off abruptly, rather than gradually, said NASA spokesman Kelly Humphries said. That caused the station to shake more than it usually does, according to daily reports on the station's condition that are posted on NASA's website. The extra jostling may have caused damage to the station that could affect its longevity, according to Humphries.

"Anytime you impart a vibration to the station it has potential implications," Humphries said.

Read the story breaking HERE.