NASA Extends Launch Contract With Russia

NASA has signed a $335 million modification to the current International Space Station contract with the Russian Federal Space Agency for crew transportation, rescue and related services in 2013 and 2014 during the time that Americans will have no human-rated launch booster or capsule.

The firm-fixed price modification covers comprehensive Soyuz support, including all necessary training and preparation for launch, crew rescue, and landing of a long-duration mission for six individual station crew members.

In this contract modification, space station crew members will launch on four Soyuz vehicles in 2013 and return on two vehicles in 2013 and two in 2014. The American space shuttle fleet is slated to be retired in 2010 with each of the three spacecraft destined for museums.

Under the contract modification, the Soyuz flights will carry limited cargo associated with crew transportation to and from the station, and disposal of trash. The cargo allowed per person is approximately 110 pounds (50 kilograms) launched to the station, approximately 37 pounds (17 kilograms) returned to Earth, and trash disposal of approximately 66 pounds (30 kilograms).

Also under NASA contract, Va-based Orbital Sciences Corporation and Calif-based SpaceX will begin providing cargo resupply and trash pick-up in 2011. Along with the Russians, the Japanese and Europeans are conducting unmanned re-supply missions.