The European Space Agency (ESA) is discussing with American entrepreneur Elon Musk’s SpaceX the possibility of using its launchers to replace Russian Soyuz rockets. This was stated by ESA Director-General Josef Aschbacher. Reuters.
“I would say we discussed two and a half options. One of them is SpaceX, that’s obvious. Another could be Japan,” Aschbacher said, adding that another option could be India.
At the same time, he noted that the American company is “more operational than them and, of course, one of the backup launches we are considering.”
Aschbacher also stressed that the negotiations are currently under review and any solution will be temporary.
Joel Montalbano, formerly head of the American program of the International Space Station (ISS) declarationHe said NASA did not exclude that the cross-flight agreement with Russia could be extended and extended after the current arrangement expires in 2024.
Before that, the head of Roscosmos Yuri Borisov reported Russian President Vladimir Putin said that Russia has decided to withdraw from the ISS project after 2024, and during this time Russia will begin to create its own orbital service station. He also stressed that Russia will fulfill all its obligations towards international partners.