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Russian space agency expects decision on seat swap flights with NASA in June — Rogozin

According to the head of Roscosmos, a final decision will depend on NASA’s position on sanctions against Russia

MOSCOW, May 19. /TASS/. A decision on seat swap flights with NASA will be made in early June after the completion of internal government procedures, Head of Russia’s State Space Corporation Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said on Thursday.

"I hope that the decision [on seat swap flights] will be made and announced in the first ten-day period of June, if not until the end of May," the Roscosmos chief told reporters after his speech at the New Horizons educational marathon.

Currently, internal approvals have entered the final stage, Rogozin said.

A final decision will depend on NASA’s position on sanctions against Russia and the Americans’ capabilities to ensure a safe flight for the crew, the Roscosmos chief elaborated.

Currently, Roscosmos female cosmonaut Anna Kikina is undergoing training in the United States to learn to operate a Crew Dragon spacecraft, in particular, he said. "I do not rule out that she will go into space as part of seat swap flights," Rogozin added.

Roscosmos Executive Director for Manned Space Programs Sergey Krikalyov said in April that a draft agreement on seat swap flights to the International Space Station had been approved by most of Russian federal executive authorities.

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Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin NASA

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