Russia has threatened to pull out of the International Space Station as they announce work has begun on their own space station.
The International Space Station (ISS) was launched in 1998 by both Russian and US space agencies but now officials have indicated Russia could pull out to start up its own extra-terrestrial project by 2025.
NASA's partnership with Russia's Roscosmos space agency runs out in 2024 and decisions will be made on any future agreements depending on the state of the equipment at that time as the station is believed to be reaching the end of its service life.
Russia's Deputy Prime Minister, Yuri Borisov claims Moscow would give its international partners "fair warning of our departure from the ISS."
However, appearing to pre-empt the decision, the head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin posted a video on the Telegram messaging app confirming that a "new Russian orbital station is in the works" and should be ready to launch in 2025.
The new space module, being assembled by the Energia corporation, is set to cost at least $5bn (£3.5bn), reports Interfax news agency.
Mr Borisov told state TV that their station would a higher latitude to map a Northern sea route as the polar icecaps melt.
He also told Rossiya 1 TV that Russia would manage the station itself while still holding out for the possibility of future partners.
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Last month, the country signed an agreement with China's National Space Administration to develop a lunar research station on the surface of the Moon, in orbit or both.
Russia recently celebrated its proud history in space, marking the 60th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin becoming the first human to go into orbit.
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