Russia, the war with Ukraine and space exploration cooperation
The decision, which was made official by Dmitry Rogozin, the director general of the Russian space agency, also calls into question the long-term future of launching an Alliance launch from the Guyana Space Center, located on the northeast coast of South America. Russian teams were preparing the Soyuz rocket together with the Frigate stage for the launch on April 5 – both European satellites and the Russian launch vehicle had already been delivered to the Space Center, but preparations for the launch could not proceed without the expertise of Russian technicians. .
⚡ «In response to the sanctions of the Eurozone in relation to our companies Roscosmos will continue to cooperate with European partners in organizations of cosmic constellations with the Kuru cosmodrome – and respond to its staff, concludes with a statement» @Rogozin. pic.twitter.com/KLm2UQsIEz
– ROSCOSMOS (@roscosmos) February 26, 2022
The termination of cooperation with Roscosmos for the Kuru spaceport follows the threat of termination of cooperation within the cooperation program of the International Space Station, which occurred on February 24 last year. If this interruption is implemented, it could have catastrophic consequences for the IVS, as the Russian segment of the space station is responsible for driving, navigating and controlling the entire complex. In addition, Russian Progress cargo spacecraft provide continuous periodic thrust that regulates the orbit of the entire structure, securing its position and preventing it from sinking too low into the Earth’s atmosphere. If Russia withdraws its support, the IVS could collapse in a matter of months, at a time when a detailed plan has been drawn up to deactivate the space station between 2028 and 2030.
In addition to suspending cooperation with the French Guiana spaceport, Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin has decided to exclude the United States from further planning for a joint Venera-D exploration mission.
In addition, Russia and Europe have been preparing to begin planning a joint robotic mission to Mars this year, but those plans have now been postponed.
