NASA owed one more ride on Soyuz?

[FransonUK]

I read somewhere that NASA has one more "paid for" ride on Soyuz to the ISS, then it's got to be a new agreement?

What's the situation?

[anik]

Soyuz TMA-7 launch on October 1 is the last launch with NASA astronaut (William McArthur) onboard Russian spacecraft now… There will be two Russian cosmonauts and, maybe, a fourth space tourist onboard Soyuz TMA-8 at launch on March 22, 2006… McArthur will land on Discovery (STS-116) in May 4, 2006…

[NASA_LaRC_SP]

This leaves a bad taste in my mouth. We should be paying for that seat regardless. At least enough to make it worthwhile that the Russians don't give it to a tourist!

[rhwinger]

Some kind of treaty or other legal barrier prevents the US from paying directly for services from Russia.  I'll try to find out more specific info, but I've heard Congress needs to get off their butt and make a change.

[rhwinger]

NASA prohibited from buying services for the ISS from Russia until they comply with the Iran Non Proliferation Act



http://www.ncseonline.org/NLE/CRS/abstract.cfm?NLEid=23593

[Space101]

Well they should change it cause a) we need it and b) Russia is an ally.

[publiusr]

Interesting links on Kliper and the R-7 launch vehicle:

http://www.newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=2559
http://www.newmars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1731
http://www.starshipmodeler.net/cgi-bin/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=24736
http://www.starshipmodeler.net/cgi-bin/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=29489
http://www.russianspaceweb.com