Pause possible in U.S. astronauts' flights to ISS on board Soyuz
Delays in signing a contract between NASA and Russia's Roscosmos state corporation on prolonging the existing agreement to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) on board Soyuz spacecraft into 2018-2019 may cause a difficult situation for the American partners and the ISS in general, a source familiar with the situation told Interfax-AVN on Friday.
"In conditions when the private companies SpaceX and Boeing Space Exploration are unlikely to be able to develop and test new spaceships by 2018, it makes sense for Americans to prolong the existing, fifth, agreement on delivering astronauts to the ISS in 2017 into the subsequent period," the source said.
"They are already running late, bearing in mind the fact that the minimum cycle of building a Soyuz manned spaceship takes two years," he said.
Advertising
Advertising
MORE ABOUT
Foreign agents bill incompatible with Georgian people's aspirations for Euro-Atlantic future - U.S. ambassador to Georgia
20:06, 02.05.2024
U.S. special envoy Pritzker, Eximbank chief Lewis and deputy national security adviser Singh arrive in Kiev - ambassador
13:49, 10.04.2024
Ukrainian MPs convincing U.S. voters of need to support Ukraine
19:16, 29.11.2023
Moldova to host joint military exercise with U.S. on Oct 25-31
20:50, 19.10.2023
USA sanctions three Russian companies linked to Iran's aviation industry
20:41, 19.09.2023
LATEST
Opening of airport in Lviv to help close sky over Ukraine – head of Lviv administration
11:26, 17.05.2024
Zaporizhstal specialists restore several powerful trucks for AFU
21:01, 16.05.2024
Stefanishyna allows extension of the trade visa-free for 2025-2026
20:40, 16.05.2024
Ukrainian delegation to Argentina, Chile offers free trade, participation in reconstruction – Economy Ministry
19:06, 16.05.2024
Kyivstar cuts its income by 14.1% in Q1 2024 due to implementation of large-scale loyalty program after cyber attack