:: welcome to ...all these worlds...
:: bloghome
| contact
::
[::..about this blog..::]
"...all these worlds..." is a blog by David Hitt. It covers space exploration, decent science fiction, humor (by its very nature), and whatever else I happen to find cool. (Formerly "You Must Fight The Bear")
Rosaviakosmos has to give up one of its berths on the Station, resulting in two-person Expedition crews consisting of representatives of NASA and ESA. Which, I guess, would be possible if the price were right.
The ISS crew complement would have to be restored to three, allowing an Expedition crew representing all three agencies. The current reduced size was implemented due to the limited upmass capabilities with the Shuttle fleet grounded. If the Shuttle does, indeed, return to flight in March, it might be possible to get enough supplies to Station to support the larger crew.
The third possibility, of course, would be a two-person crew consisting of representatives of RSA and ESA. While NASA, I believe is entitled to a berth on ISS, it's not entitled to Soyuz transportation to get there, and, unlike ESA, is unable to pay for seats. This article makes me wonder whether RSA might be considering ending the free ride for NASA. I'm curious as to whether Rosaviakosmos has the right to make the decision to take the first or second option unilaterally, or whether NASA and other partners would have to approve changes in the make-up of Expedition crews. It's very possible that RSA could pick the third possibility unilaterally, since it does have sole control of the passenger manifests of Soyuz crafts. It'll be very curious to see exactly how this develops.