US Russia Space Cooperation Continues with ISS Extension Talks

Historical Context of US-Russia Space Cooperation

The roots of US-Russia space collaboration stretch back to the Cold War era, most notably with the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project in 1975. This mission marked the first international crewed spaceflight and symbolized a thaw in US-Soviet relations. American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts docked their spacecraft in orbit, performing joint experiments and laying the groundwork for future partnerships in space. The historic “handshake in space” between Thomas Stafford and Alexei Leonov became an emblem of peaceful cooperation amid geopolitical rivalry.

Following the Cold War, the partnership deepened with the launch of the International Space Station (ISS) program in 1998. The ISS was a monumental effort involving the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada. Russia contributed critical modules and propulsion systems, while the US provided power and laboratory facilities. This interdependence has ensured a continuous human presence in space for over two decades, with American and Russian astronauts working side by side.

Despite fluctuations in diplomatic relations, including during the annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the 2022 Ukraine conflict, the ISS has remained a bastion of cooperation. The cross-flight program, which allows Russian cosmonauts to fly on US spacecraft and vice versa, has been a cornerstone of this collaboration. Extended through 2025, it ensures operational redundancy and maintains a balanced international crew aboard the ISS.

“Through hard times, we don’t throw those relationships away.” — Sean Duffy, Acting NASA Administrator

The Current Meeting: Significance and Details

The July 2025 visit of Dmitry Bakanov, the head of Roscosmos, to the United States marks the first high-level meeting between Russian and American space leaders since 2018. His meeting with Sean Duffy, NASA’s Acting Administrator, is not just symbolic, it carries operational and strategic weight. The agenda includes critical discussions on the extension of the ISS, the continuation of the cross-flight program, and cooperative plans for ISS deorbiting.

Bakanov’s itinerary includes visits to NASA’s Johnson Space Center, Boeing’s CST-100 Starliner facilities, and SpaceX operations. These visits underscore the evolving nature of space collaboration, which now includes significant private sector involvement. The presence of a Russian delegation at SpaceX, a company that has largely replaced Soyuz as the primary crew transport to the ISS, is particularly noteworthy.

A significant moment during the visit is Bakanov’s meeting with the Crew-11 mission team, which includes Russian cosmonaut Oleg Platonov. This meeting highlights the practical continuation of joint missions, even as political tensions remain high. The cross-flight program ensures that both countries maintain presence and capability on the ISS, reflecting a shared commitment to operational continuity.

Continuing Cooperation Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Despite the breakdown in broader US-Russia relations following the invasion of Ukraine in 2022, space cooperation has remained intact. Sanctions have affected almost every other aspect of bilateral engagement, but both sides have carved out exceptions for space, recognizing the mutual dependencies built into ISS operations. NASA and Roscosmos rely on each other’s systems, life support, propulsion, and emergency evacuation, to maintain the station’s safety and functionality.

NASA’s leadership has been clear in separating space cooperation from political disagreements. Sean Duffy publicly acknowledged the tension over Ukraine but reaffirmed NASA’s commitment to maintaining ISS partnerships. This pragmatic stance reflects the operational necessity of collaboration in space, where safety and mission success depend on seamless international coordination.

The cross-flight program’s extension through 2025 is a practical example of this commitment. It allows for balanced crew compositions and shared responsibilities aboard the ISS. Russian officials, including Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, have reiterated their willingness to cooperate in space, provided that outer space remains a peaceful domain. This stance signals Russia’s continued interest in preserving space as a diplomatic and technological bridge.

International Space Station Operations and Future

The ISS is a marvel of international engineering and diplomacy, orbiting Earth continuously since 1998. NASA spends approximately $4.1 billion annually on its ISS operations, which include research, maintenance, transportation, and crew support. These costs are partially offset by contributions from international partners, including Russia, which provides propulsion and crew transport services.

However, the station is aging. Built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, it faces increasing maintenance challenges. NASA and Boeing conduct regular assessments to manage supply chain issues and ensure the availability of critical components. As parts become harder to replace, the cost and complexity of maintaining the ISS rise, prompting discussions about its eventual retirement.

NASA plans to transition to commercial low Earth orbit (LEO) platforms by 2030. This shift could save the agency up to $1.3 billion annually, though it requires significant upfront investment. In fiscal year 2023, NASA allocated $204 million for commercial LEO development, increasing to $228 million in 2024. The deorbiting process, which could take over two years, involves careful coordination with Roscosmos and other partners to ensure the ISS’s safe disposal in an unpopulated ocean region.

Conclusion

The meeting between Dmitry Bakanov and Sean Duffy represents a rare moment of diplomatic continuity amid broader geopolitical disruption. It highlights the unique position that space cooperation occupies in US-Russia relations, one of the last remaining areas where dialogue and collaboration persist. The discussions around the cross-flight program, ISS extension, and deorbiting strategy are not just technical; they are emblematic of a deeper commitment to preserving space as a shared human endeavor.

Looking ahead, the ability of the United States and Russia to maintain space partnerships will serve as a bellwether for broader international cooperation in an increasingly multipolar world. As commercial actors play a growing role and new space powers emerge, the frameworks established in meetings like this one will shape the future of space exploration and diplomacy for decades to come.

FAQ

What was the purpose of the Russian space chief’s visit to the US?
Dmitry Bakanov visited the US to meet with NASA leadership and discuss the continuation of the cross-flight program, ISS operations, and future deorbiting plans.

Is US-Russia space cooperation still active despite the Ukraine conflict?
Yes. Despite broader diplomatic tensions, NASA and Roscosmos continue to collaborate on ISS operations and crew exchanges.

What is the cross-flight program?
It is an agreement that allows Russian cosmonauts to fly on US spacecraft and American astronauts to fly on Russian spacecraft, ensuring balanced crew presence on the ISS.

When will the ISS be retired?
The ISS is currently planned for retirement around 2030, with discussions ongoing about its extension and safe deorbiting process.

What role do private companies like SpaceX play in US-Russia space cooperation?
Companies like SpaceX now provide crew transport services to the ISS, with Russian cosmonauts flying aboard Crew Dragon as part of the cross-flight agreement.

Sources

• Bloomberg
• NASA
• Roscosmos
• GAO Report