- Succeeding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, tensions between the US and Russia are more anxious than ever here on Earth.
- The concerns, that friction could inevitably spill the two countries’ longstanding partnership in space.
- The dependency of both countries on the ISS power generated from the American solar panels and Russia controls the attitude control.
On Wednesday night, Russian militaries instigated their attack on Ukraine. They started what many viewed as an inevitable invasion of the once soviet country. Once again, Russia and the United States are on the verge of war, but their cooperation in space offers hope.
Russia has also threatened to exit the ISS Programme due to US sanctions. In addition, the United States has imposed more sanctions due to Russia’s incursion into Ukraine, reigniting speculation about whether Russia may abandon the space station initiative entirely. However, NASA has stated that, for the time being, the ISS partners would continue to collaborate and work together.
The International Space Station has been a strong advocate for international cooperation. Keeping post-Soviet scientists and engineers focused on the peaceful application of their technologies and establishing a tether of forced diplomatic engagement that brings the rivals closer together.
Tensions between the two countries have risen and fallen over the years, but they have reached a tipping point today. Russian, American, and European astronauts are currently orbiting Earth, performing research that will benefit all of humanity, and this collaboration will continue.
Russian and US seat trade contract still in talks
NASA is not extensive dependent on Soyuz for crewed conveyance to the station. However, the two countries have been discussing the possibility of exchanging seats on their respective vehicles, which might happen as soon as this fall.
Furthermore, former astronaut and current NASA Associate Administrator Bob Cabana recently visited Russia to negotiate a further contract. Even though nothing has been signed, both parties remain optimistic.
The ISS of both sides, the international and Russian sides, rely on each other as power is generated from the American Solar Panels, and Russia controls the attitude control. The dependency and relevancy will force cooperation between the nations no matter what happens in Ukraine.
Nasa Is not Saying a Lot on The Incursion Impact
NASA mentioned in the report that the invasion impact could have on collaboration. However, Russian Space Leaders Aren’t Mincing Words. The Spokesperson released the final statement where they said,” NASA continuous working will all international partners with State Space Corporation Roscosmos, for the continuing the safe operations of the International Space Station. The US Russia Civil Space cooperation will allow the measures and new export controls. No changes or recommendations are planned to the agency’s support for ongoing in orbit and ground station operations.”
What will be the future of ISS?
The multinational collaboration is between the two nations, International Space Station. NASA and Russia’s space agency Roscosmos are two of the five agencies involved. The agencies that do not include Japan are the Japanese space agency JAXA, the Canadian Space Agency, and the European Space Agency. The station is scheduled to close as early as 2025, while the Biden Harris administration pledged in December to prolong the program until 2030.
NASA collaborates with the State Space Corporation Roscosmos and our other international partners in Canada, Europe, and Japan to ensure safe and continued International Space Station operations. NASA spokesperson Dan Huot said in an email to Space.com.
Roscosmos Director General Dmitry Rogozin delivered a Russian-language declaration about the two agencie’s partnership on Twitter. He noted that Roscosmos appreciates professional cooperation with NASA” through the official Roscosmos route.
As it stands, the ISS is one of the few things that keep NASA and Roscosmos in touch. NASA is currently focused on its new flagship mission, Artemis, a vast new attempt to bring the first woman and person of color to the Moon’s surface.
As part of that initiative, NASA created the Artemis Accords, an international agreement between numerous governments that establishes guidelines for Moon exploration.
Rogozin has scathed Artemis and the Artemis Accords, comparing them to an invasion in a now-deleted tweet. He also stated that Russia intends to collaborate with China on their lunar ambitions.
