**Russian Space Agency Head to Meet NASA Chief**
In a rare gesture of cooperation, Dmitry Bakanov, the head of Russia’s space agency Roscosmos, has arrived in the United States for talks with NASA leadership. This is the first time a direct meeting between the two agencies has taken place since 2018.
Bakanov will meet with US Transportation Secretary and acting NASA Administrator Sean Duffy to discuss several key topics. These include the future operations of the International Space Station (ISS) and plans for its deorbiting, as well as a cross-flight agreement between NASA and Roscosmos. NASA has yet to confirm the planned meeting.
This meeting comes at a time when tensions between Russia and the US have been running high. The two countries severed diplomatic ties in 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, space exploration has remained one area where cooperation has continued, despite the strained relations.
**A Glimmer of Hope?**
The planned meeting between Bakanov and Duffy marks a rare moment of cooperation between the two nations. It’s a testament to the enduring importance of space exploration as an area of mutual interest.
“The Biden administration’s temporary lifting of the entry ban on then-Roscosmos head Dmitry Rogozin in 2018 showed that even during times of tension, space cooperation can continue,” says Martin Fornusek, news editor at the Kyiv Independent. “This meeting between Bakanov and Duffy is a positive development, showing that both sides are committed to finding common ground.”
**A Busy Itinerary**
Bakanov’s visit will be a busy one. He plans to meet with the crew of NASA’s Crew-11 mission, including Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov, who is set to depart no earlier than July 31. The Roscosmos head will also visit the Johnson Space Center and Boeing production facilities where the CST-100 Starliner spacecraft is being developed.
**A Legacy of Cooperation**
Space exploration has long been an area of cooperation between Russia and the US. Despite the strained relations, several Russian officials have called for closer ties with the US in technology and space exploration. Even Elon Musk’s SpaceX company has been mentioned as a potential partner.
“The recent weeks have seen tensions rise again, but this meeting shows that both sides are committed to finding common ground,” says Martin Fornusek. “It’s a reminder that even during difficult times, cooperation can continue, and progress can be made.”
Read More @ kyivindependent.com
