McArthur To Be Held Hostage On-Orbit – Or More Shoddy Russian Journalism?

Russia May Refuse to Return U.S. Astronaut to Earth Free of Charge

“Beginning from the next space expedition Russia will deliver U.S. astronauts to the International Space Station only on commercial basis. William McArthur who has just left for ISS can stay in orbit until the American side pays for his return, RIA Novosti reported.”

NASA Memo: Griffin Point Paper on USA Today Article, 9/28/05

“NASA and Russia confirmed at the Flight Readiness Review meeting for the next crew for the international space station on Sept. 19 that NASA Astronaut and Expedition 12 Commander Bill McArthur will have a ride back to Earth next April on the same Soyuz that will bring him to the station this October.”