[JOE6PAK]

Thank you Paul. But as RightWhale posted,why CAN'T we boost the ISS into a higher orbit. Or would this "Screw the Rooskies".

[Former Proud Canadian]

bump

[Paul Ross]

A higher orbit would complicate our rendezvous with the ISS even more. The orbital plane is kilted at variance from our optimal shuttle-launch orbital plane. As Snopercod says, it would take a huge amount of fuel to move the ISS orbital plane now that it is parked where it is. Altitude would be relatively trivial by comparison to shifting orbital alignment or 'planes'. Analogize it this way. It is like racing up to full speed in a supersonic jet, then coming to a complete stop and then reversing directions.