NASA Interim Head Seeks Cooperation with Russia on Space Despite Broader Tensions
NASA interim leader, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, announced plans to engage in direct talks with Russian space agency Roscosmos this week. His aim is to find common ground on shared space interests, despite deep disagreements between the US and Russia over the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
The meeting will be the first in-person dialogue between the heads of NASA and Roscosmos since 2018. Duffy will speak with Dmitry Bakanov, the current head of Roscosmos, in an effort to maintain cooperation on space initiatives, especially the International Space Station (ISS).
“We have wild disagreement with the Russians on Ukraine,” Duffy acknowledged during remarks on Capitol Hill. “But we have a valuable partnership on the International Space Station. We don’t discard those ties in difficult times.”
International Space Station Remains a Bridge
Despite deteriorating relations in most areas, the ISS has remained a rare point of collaboration between the two countries. Duffy emphasised that humanity’s progress in space exploration depends on building and maintaining global partnerships.
“This is a temporary assignment for me,” Duffy said of his role as interim NASA chief. “But the need for stable, science-focused cooperation remains constant.”
Duffy will visit Cape Canaveral, Florida on Wednesday to attend meetings and the scheduled SpaceX Crew-11 launch, further underlining the US commitment to active space missions.
Talks to Address ISS Lifespan and Future Deorbiting
According to Russian news agency TASS, Bakanov confirmed the topics of discussion will include the ongoing cross-flight program, potential extensions of the ISS’s operational timeline, and planning for its eventual deorbiting and safe disposal in the ocean.
The last time NASA and Roscosmos leadership met face to face was in October 2018. That meeting took place at the Baikonur Cosmodrome between then-NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine and Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin.
Duffy’s upcoming dialogue with Bakanov represents a cautious attempt to preserve space diplomacy amid strained political relations. Both sides hope that by keeping cooperation alive in orbit, they can foster a shared vision for safe, sustainable space activity.
with inputs from Reuters