Russia might suspend ISS cooperation until Western sanctions are lifted

As Russia continues to struggle with the storm of Western sanctions following Ukraine’s invasion, Moscow has now threatened to end cooperation on the International Space Station (ISS), a retaliatory move until the bans are lifted from the country.

The head of the Russian space agency, Dmitry Rogozin was quoted saying that complete cooperation is only possible between partners if the sanctions are lifted. Through a tweet, Rogozin claims to have appealed to other space agencies such as NASA, the Canadian space agency, and the European space agency.

Rogozin has strongly opposed the Western sanctions, further insinuating that the ISS would crash without Russia’s involvement. For those unaware, Russia’s withdrawal from the ISS cooperation can do real harm given that NASA relies heavily on the country to maintain the space station’s orientation and position.

But the U.S has shown continuous support to international space agencies, especially those operating the ISS namely, Russia, Japan, Canada, and Europe, as per the letter signed by NASA administrator Bill Nelson. With new and controlled export measures, U.S. and Russia will continue to allow cooperation to ensure the safe operation of the ISS.

Recently NASA declared to have extended its partnership with Russia’s space corporation till 2030, but the current situation has made the deal skeptical. However, given the safe return of NASA astronaut Mark Vande Hei in the Russian Soyuz rocket, there is scope for both agencies to mend differences and come to the best possible conclusion amid the warlike crises.

It is worth noting that Russia has formally not accepted the agreement yet.

In other news, NASA has halted the last major test of its SLS (Space Launch System) rocket after witnessing issues regarding pressurization that have further prevented technicians from safely installing propellants to the rocket.

Source Credits:

https://www.theverge.com/2022/4/2/23007575/russia-suspend-iss-cooperation-sanctions-lifted-ukraine-space-nasa