Space Diplomacy: NASA and Roscosmos Revive Talks Amid Global Tensions

In a notable step for international space relations, NASA's interim administrator, Sean Duffy, engaged in direct talks with Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov at Florida's Kennedy Space Center. This face-to-face interaction, the first since 2018, focused on continuing collaboration on the International Space Station (ISS) and future lunar missions.

Despite strained U.S.-Russia relations due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, the talks highlighted continued cooperation in space. Both parties expressed interest in maintaining the astronaut seat exchange agreement and discussed strategies for the disposal of the ISS by 2030, aiming to preserve their longstanding partnership.

Roscosmos, via its Telegram channel, conveyed optimism following the meeting, while NASA has yet to comment. As Russia pivots towards China's lunar program post-Ukraine invasion, this dialogue signals a potential shift in global space diplomacy, reflecting the intricate balance between geopolitical tensions and scientific pursuits.

(With inputs from agencies.)