Since 1991, the United States and Russia have collaborated on the construction and maintenance of several Space Stations, where research resulted in some of the most significant scientific breakthroughs of the twenty-first century.
At the moment, Russia is engaged in a conflict in Ukraine that pits its country against the United States and its allies.
This is threatening to jeopardize the long-term viability of the International Space Station, which is 227 miles below the surface of the planet.
According to Scott Kelly, a former astronaut, “if you’re in space and you’re traveling all around Earth in a highly dangerous environment, collaboration is the most crucial thing.”
BREAKING: Russia is threatening to ABANDON an American astronaut in space aboard the International Space Station as retribution against Western sanctions against Russia.
How does that make you feel? 🤬
— Jon Cooper (@joncoopertweets) March 11, 2022
Details on International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) is separated into two parts: the Russian Orbital Segment, which is managed by Russia, and the United States Orbital Segment, which is maintained by the United States.
American and Russian astronauts were among the first to enter the ISS, which happened in 1998.
Since then, the collaboration has continued in many forms. When the United States space shuttle program came to an end in 2011, astronauts like Cady Coleman were forced to rely only on Russian rockets to transport them to and from the International Space Station.
Coleman said once onboard the ship, it didn’t matter where you came from; it was all about learning to live and work with one another.
“Space is difficult, and space is potentially hazardous. For me, it meant sitting down for lunch with our Russian colleagues and talking about the day’s events, “Coleman expressed himself.
Who else is sickened by Russia’s threat to abandon an American astronaut in space?
— 💙Brittney💙 (@AZ_Brittney) March 11, 2022
However, although Putin boasted of “good achievements” in the discussions, it looked like his military was attempting to reorganize and restore momentum in the invasion.
To Be Continued…
NASA’s dependence on Russian rockets came to an end in 2020 with the introduction of SpaceX’s Crew Dragon Capsule; although, discussions are now ongoing to enable Russians to fly on future SpaceX missions.
At NASA’s training center in Houston, Russian cosmonauts are continuing their preparations.
Astronaut Mark Hei, who now holds the world record for the longest space journey, is scheduled to return to Earth in only three weeks after spending 355 days in space.
In accordance with the plan, he will arrive in Kazakhstan, along with two Russian astronauts on a Russian spacecraft.
Vande Hei’s return, however, may be delayed as a result of extraordinary penalties on Russia.
Almost two weeks earlier, President Biden imposed further sanctions against Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine. Among these measures was a ban on more than 50% of Russia’s elevated imports.
NASA issued a statement on civil space cooperation between the United States and Russia, saying “no changes are anticipated” and the agency will continue supporting “ongoing in orbital and ground control station activities” in the future.
