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TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
Actually the Falcon 9 can reboost the ISS. it’s just a question of fuel.
Pulling cosmonauts off would be a double edged sword killing the Russians manned space mission. As the Russian segment isn’t capable of autonomous operations neither is the International without new modules and reconfiguring. They don’t have a second station or mission and won’t for some time.
I had forgotten about Antares I admit that however as you pointed out it was partially built in Ukraine meaning it’s Dead. Ban or no ban.
That said NG has the parts and contract for 2 more then it’s over those are slated for later this year and early next much like Ares V. They have time and stock to finish out and start working/Finish alternatives.
The Cygnus mission could be shifted to Araine 5 with ATV or the capsule itself on a Vulcan once it’s ready or Falcon series. Frankly Though it stings. The timing of this actually works to the US not Russia. Alternatives are coming online for the US. Unless Dmitry orders something really desperate that would destroy Russia’s manned space program it’s little actually effect.
 

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
A lot of people in the Russian space program did not want the government to launch the Nauka module to the ISS but use it as the core module for a new Russian space station. They launched Nauka and Prichal to the ISS just last year. So abandoning the ISS would mean dumping those too.
 

TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
Yes, however the likelihood of Russia being able to build and launch the additional new modules for a Mir 2 before the end of the decade is low.
 

gelgoog

Brigadier
Registered Member
Yeah. They are winding down production of Proton-M. AFAIK the production line has shut down. And Angara A5 is still not operational.
Even if they had the modules they do not have enough launchers to put a whole station up and complete existing missions.
 

TerraN_EmpirE

Tyrant King
That's great!

The remained question is what next? If the US does not have any spacecraft capable of fly to the space station, does it really have to fly on a witch's broomstick?

4925389F-64F9-48B7-A378-9731BCEDAF95.png
The next WitchX Broomstick 9 FT Block 5 is slated for March 30th on a commercial visit to ISS it will be followed by Crew 4 on April 15th assuming both go as planned.
 
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