NASA: US-Russia cooperation on ISS remains smooth, professional

Cooperation between the United States and Russia on the International Space Station (ISS) continues to function smoothly and professionally, according to a spokesperson for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

"NASA, Roscosmos, and our other international partners remain focused on the continued safe and professional operation of the International Space Station in low Earth orbit. International Space Station cooperation continues smoothly, as it has throughout the continuous presence of our joint crews for nearly 25 years," NASA stated, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

Despite the ongoing collaboration, NASA did not comment on whether cooperation between the two countries could expand, particularly regarding future missions to Mars.

As part of the ISS program, Roscosmos and NASA conduct cross-flights, allowing American astronauts to travel to the ISS aboard Soyuz spacecraft, while Russian cosmonauts fly on American Crew Dragon spacecraft.

In January, Maxim Kharlamov, head of the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center (which is part of Roscosmos), confirmed that the cross-flight program had been extended through 2026.

By Vugar Khalilov