Doubts in Congress About Russian Reliability

Experts: Reliance on Russia makes NASA weak, CNN

“Election-year politics combined with increasing concerns about Iran and the ongoing crisis in Georgia all but guarantee that lawmakers will not vote for the exemption, said Nelson. That means NASA could lose access to the $100 billion space station unless it continues to fly the shuttle or strikes some sort of deal with another space agency willing to put forward money for additional Soyuz seats, the Senator explained to CNN. “It is a lose-lose situation,” said Nelson. “If our relationship with Russia is strained who knows if Russia will give us rides in the future?” Nelson continued. “Or if they give us rides will they charge such an exorbitant price that it becomes blackmail?”