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NASA has released a statement indicating that they are "suspending the majority" of "ongoing engagements with the Russian Federation". Cooperation will continue "to maintain safe and continuous operation of the International Space Station." They have taken this action citing violations Ukraine's sovereignty by Russia.
NASA apparently is focusing on regaining human spaceflight capabilities and ending dependence on Russia. The statement goes on to say: "The choice here is between fully funding the plan to bring space launches back to America or continuing to send millions of dollars to the Russians." According to time.com the "information initially came to light from a leaked memo".
This comes after a recent statement by Charles Bolden a NASA administrator indicating that relations with Russia were fine. There are currently Two Americans, Three Russians, and the Japanese Commander aboard the ISS Expedition 39.
(Score: 1) by tftp on Friday April 04 2014, @02:21AM
So what happens when Putin decides the American ISS astronauts can't board their taxi home?
That won't happen. Ride down to Earth will be available. However a ride up, for the next American, is questionable.
It is really funny that NASA picks and chooses what "sanctions" it applies, as if they are the only player in this game. I would not be too surprised if Russia cancels all cooperation - and that would be a far more effective lever. Alternatively, Roskosmos can forgive NASA for yielding to the political pressure.