(BSS/TASS) - There are no technical issues that would prevent the International Space Station (ISS) from operating beyond 2030, NASA spokesman Joshua Finch told TASS, commenting on the possibility of decommissioning the station in 2031 or 2032.

"For [the] space station deorbit, we`ve said in recent media briefings that we are planning toward 2030, but there are no technical issues that would prevent the station from operating longer, if needed," the spokesman emphasized.

In late October, Roscosmos head Dmitry Bakanov told reporters that the ISS could be decommissioned in 2031 or 2032. Earlier, Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov reported that Russia was discussing with foreign partners extending the ISS` operation until 2032. In July, Bakanov announced that Roscosmos and NASA had agreed to extend the ISS` operation until 2030.