Space Diplomacy: NASA and Russia's Face-to-Face Meeting Signals New Collaboration
NASA's acting administrator, Sean Duffy, met with Roscosmos chief Dmitry Bakanov for the first time since 2018. The meeting focused on continued space cooperation, including work on the ISS and lunar programs, amid strained US-Russia relations due to the Ukraine conflict. Space diplomacy persists despite geopolitical tensions.
In a significant development for international space collaboration, NASA's interim administrator Sean Duffy convened a face-to-face meeting with the head of Russia's space agency, Dmitry Bakanov, in Florida on Thursday. This marks the first meeting of its kind since 2018 and discusses mutual cooperation on the International Space Station (ISS) and lunar exploration initiatives, stated Roscosmos.
The meeting coincided with a delayed attempt to launch a joint astronaut mission to the ISS due to adverse weather conditions. NASA acknowledged the talks aimed at enhancing space cooperation but refrained from disclosing further specifics. Notably, the discussions symbolize a critical moment for US-Russia space relations, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine affecting diplomatic ties.
Roscosmos shared a video of the session showing both leaders alongside their delegations. Discussions included possible advancements in ISS operations, lunar projects, and deep space collaborations. While details remain sparse, these talks could herald a shift in global space alliances amidst geopolitical challenges and evolving international partnerships.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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