Wed, Apr 21, 2004
Space Agency Turns Down Russian Request To Extend ISS
Missions
Nyet. That's NASA's answer to the Russian space agency's
question, "Can't we extend space station missions to a year?"
Russia wanted to extend the missions so that its Soyuz missions
to the International Space Station could carry space tourists. As
long as the American shuttles aren't flying, those Soyuz missions
are key to resupplying the station and replacing the crew.
But the US says it just doesn't have the medical wherewithal to
approve the longer-duration missions. The longest any Yank has
spent in space is six-and-a-half months. The world endurance record
for space missions was set by a Russian, who stayed aboard the Mir
space station for 14-and-a-half months.
But NASA has already pointed out that longer missions are
coming. "We know we'll eventually need to extend the amount of time
astronauts are in space to prepare for the missions outlined in the
new vision for space exploration." That vision was outlined earlier
this year by President Bush, who called on NASA to develop manned
missions to both the moon and Mars.
So NASA didn't slam the door on the Russian idea. The US space
agency said "however, we don't see a way to practically address
these concerns in time to support" Expedition 10, the space station
crew that will fly this October, NASA said.
Space tourists aren't the only paying customers to fly to the
ISS. The European Space Agency pays big money to get its astronauts
aboard space station missions.
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