The space agencies for the United States, Russia, Canada, Europe, and Japan are eager to use the International Space Station for expanded scientific experiments, possibly through the year 2028.





The leaders of these five space agencies met on March 11, 2010, in Tokyo, Japan, to discuss their future cooperation and participation on the orbiting science laboratory, the International Space Station.The March 11, 2010 NASA media brief ' Heads of agency International Space Station joint statement ,' states,[the heads of these five space agencies]The leaders also stated that,And,The five space agencies participating in these talks are the National Aeronautics and Space Administration ( NASA ) for the United States, The Russian Federal Space Agency ( Roscosmos ) for Russia, the Canadian Space Agency ( CSA ) for Canada, the European Space Agency ( ESA ) for the European Union, and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency ( JAXA ) for Japan.

Page two continues with the reason why the International Space Station can easily continue operations through 2028.



During their meeting, the leaders of these five space agencies reiterated that importance of the space station's potential in the areas of science, engineering, utilization, and education.



With the completion of the ISS almost accomplished (hopefully in 2010, or possibly in 2011), the future of the Space Station looks bright.

And, the ability of the structure to remain orbiting the Earth, along with all of its systems operating efficiently and safety, can continue for many years into the future.



The leaders made this statement: ''¦ [T]here are no identified technical constraints to continuing ISS operations beyond the current planning horizon of 2015 to at least 2020, and that the partnership is currently working to certify on-orbit elements through 2028.'



Although the United States is committed to support the operations onboard the International Space Station through at least 2020, the five leaders of these space agencies are looking to extend that date for another eight years'”out to 2028.



Thus, NASA, Roscosmos, CSA, ESA, and JAXA are all looking to enhance the ISS programs in order to assure the ''¦ most effective use of essential capabilities, such as space transportation for crew and cargo, for the life of the program.'







