Image: NASA Vertical Assembly Building.
Stephen Siceloff, NASA`s Public Affairs Officer, confirmed that the U.S. space agency maintains a long-standing and robust working relationship with Russia. This enduring collaboration ensures there are always pertinent subjects for discussion between the two nations.
Siceloff underscored the consistent and close daily partnership between Russia and the United States aboard the International Space Station (ISS). He highlighted the remarkable milestones of 25 years of continuous human habitation and 27 years of operational activity for the space station in low Earth orbit. Given that the ISS is approaching its 25th anniversary and is scheduled for decommissioning by 2030, both parties are focused on preparing for this significant transition, with five years remaining to finalize preparations. This critical phase ensures an ongoing need for dialogue at this level.
Earlier reports from Roscosmos`s press service indicated that Dmitry Bakanov, head of the Russian state corporation, arrived in the United States. He is set to engage in discussions with NASA`s acting administrator, Sean Duffy, on July 31. Bakanov also plans to meet with the crew of the Crew Dragon spacecraft, which includes Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov.
The day prior to these scheduled meetings, Bakanov visited the Mission Control Center for the American segment of the ISS in Houston. Furthermore, the Russian delegation intends to visit Boeing`s production facility, where the reusable CST-100 Starliner crewed spacecraft is under development, and will conduct talks with the company`s space program leadership.
