Space Agency Turns Down Russian Request To Extend ISS Missions

Nyet. That's NASA's answer to the Russian space agency's question, "Can't we extend space station missions to a year?"

Russia wanted to extend the missions so that its Soyuz missions to the International Space Station could carry space tourists. As long as the American shuttles aren't flying, those Soyuz missions are key to resupplying the station and replacing the crew.

But the US says it just doesn't have the medical wherewithal to approve the longer-duration missions. The longest any Yank has spent in space is six-and-a-half months. The world endurance record for space missions was set by a Russian, who stayed aboard the Mir space station for 14-and-a-half months.

But NASA has already pointed out that longer missions are coming. "We know we'll eventually need to extend the amount of time astronauts are in space to prepare for the missions outlined in the new vision for space exploration." That vision was outlined earlier this year by President Bush, who called on NASA to develop manned missions to both the moon and Mars.

So NASA didn't slam the door on the Russian idea. The US space agency said "however, we don't see a way to practically address these concerns in time to support" Expedition 10, the space station crew that will fly this October, NASA said.

Space tourists aren't the only paying customers to fly to the ISS. The European Space Agency pays big money to get its astronauts aboard space station missions.

FMI: http://spaceflight.nasa.gov