MOSCOW, November 20. /TASS/. The Khrunichev Center team is ready to extend the life of the Zarya module launched to the orbit 25 years ago and being the starting one for the International Space Station (ISS), CEO Aleksey Varochko said in an interview with TASS.

"Continuous monitoring is now in progress for the status of the non-replaceable module structure and maintenance of earlier manufactured changeable equipment in operable condition. We are optimistic as regards the extension of the service life of the first module, if such task is assigned," Varochko said. The module of the same age is also part of the ISS - the US Unity module launched in a fortnight after the Russian module and docked with the use of a shuttle spacecraft.

The Russian government extended operations at ISS until 2028, as reported earlier.

The ISS is in the orbit since November 20, 1998. Project participants are Russia, Canada, the US, Japan, the United Kingdom, and ten member-states of the European Space Agency.