WASHINGTON, May 3, 2025 (BSS/TASS) - NASA will welcome cooperation with international partners in the exploration of the solar system, Press Secretary Bethany Stevens said when asked to comment on the future of US-Russia collaboration in space once the International Space Station retires.

"We welcome international partner interest in joining us as we expand exploration of the solar system for the benefit of humanity," she said.

Earlier on Friday, the administration of US President Donald Trump released a federal budget proposal for fiscal year 2026 starting on October 1 which calls for starting preparations to de-orbit the ISS in 2030.

According to a statement on the NASA website, the agency plans to invite international partners to join forces in the exploration of the Moon and Mars.

The ISS has been orbiting Earth since November 1998. It is a joint project between Russia, Canada, the US, Japan and the 10 member states of the European Space Agency: Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland.