NASA doesn't plan to extend contact with Russian Space Agency to deliver astronauts to ISS
NASA does not plan to extend its contract with the Russian Space Agency to deliver astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) after 2019. The final decision will, however, be made in the near future. Russian RIA Novosti news agency reported that this was stated by the associate administrator for the Human Exploration and Operations Directorate at NASA Headquarters, William Gerstenmaier.
“As of now, we do not plan to extend the contract but we are reviewing it and will make a decision soon enough,” Gerstenmaier said. He added that “the US intends to rely on American spaceships”.
“We will be ready, and the spaceships should be ready in 2017 when the first test flights start. The regular flights will start in 2018. We are on schedule and we have enough leverage. I am sure we will be alright,” he concluded.
Ukraine's Ambassador to the US, Valeriy Chaly, had previously said that US and Ukraine are planning to hold a joint space rocket launch.