Russian Government Approves Cross-Flight Negotiations Between Roscosmos and NASA for ISS

© изображение сгенерировано ИИ

The Russian government has officially instructed the state corporation "Roscosmos" to start negotiations with NASA regarding the preparation of the fourth amendment to the agreement on joint flights to the International Space Station. The corresponding directive has been published on the legal information portal.

The document allows "Roscosmos", in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government agencies, to conduct negotiations with the American side. The negotiations concern the extension and clarification of the current cross-flight program, under which Russian cosmonauts travel to orbit on American Crew Dragon spacecraft, while NASA astronauts use Russian "Soyuz" spacecraft.

In late November, NASA Deputy Administrator Ken Bowersox confirmed that both sides are actively working on continuing the program.

The cross-flight program is an important element of ISS operations, providing mutual insurance for manned missions and ensuring continuous crew presence on the station.