Russia's actions could hurt US space presence

The Russian Soyuz vehicle will be the only option available for NASA to send crew and cargo to the space station until the shuttle's replacement becomes available for manned missions in 2015. Nelson fears deteriorating U.S.-Russia politics may result in "Russia denying us rides or charging exorbitant amounts for them".

NASA's agreement to purchase rides on the Soyuz came about from a waiver Congress granted the agency from the Iran-Syria Non-Proliferation Act. The law prohibits the United States from buying space-related goods and services from Russia while that nation exports nuclear technology to Iran.

Nelson blamed the Bush administration for making the nation so reliant on Russia by failing to devote more money to the space program.

[5 year gap between the retirement of the shuttle and its replacement comes on-line. What do we do about our many satellites? Space is the modern day high ground - what were our 'leaders' thinking? And if Obama's elected...]

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[FLASHBACK: NNBrief 5/15/2008:

Obama's Plan for NASA

After 2010, the Shuttles are gone. The Constellation project will provide the vehicles for the next big step in space exploration. That is unless Barack Obama becomes our 44th president. The last paragraph in his 15-page "Plan For Lifetime Success Through Education" reads:

The early education plan will be paid for by delaying the NASA Constellation Program for five [more] years...

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