The Russian news agency RIA Novosti published an interesting commentary about US-Russia space cooperation earlier this week, one that indicates that at least some in Russia have an arguably warped perspective of US policy and intentions. The essay, by Novosti’s political commentator Andrei Kislyakov, claims that the national space policy released by the US last fall will be a major obstacle to future cooperation between the two nations, because “the United States wants to head the so-called ‘active systems’ now playing an important economic role and influencing the allocation of funding.” (What are these “active systems”? Beats me.) Kislyakov adds that “the United States will assume the role of a global leader in coordinating projects aimed at establishing a joint worldwide surveillance system”, although he doesn’t explain what this “surveillance system” is. (Perhaps a reference the Global Earth Observation System of Systems?)
“In effect, Russia’s main space partner is determined to lead the global space program,” Kislyakov concludes, saying that may be why Russia has expressed reluctance in cooperating with the US on lunar exploration. He is also concerned about the US commitment to the ISS, hinting that delays in NASA’s plans to purchase Soyuz and Progress spacecraft may be proof that NASA will “forget all about the ISS program” after the shuttle is retired in 2010, leaving Russia (with limited European support) holding the bag.
NASA will “forget all about the ISS program” after the shuttle is retired in 2010, leaving Russia (with limited European support) holding the bag.
So what if that is the de facto plan?
This is laughable, almost Soviet in tone. The ISS is a national labratory designated by Congress last year. Nasa can’t shut it down without Congressional approval. Plus I believe they are spending $500 million on COTS. A few billion on Ares I and a station version of the CEV.
Silly Russkies.