Roscosmos has responded to US announcements that sanctions will be imposed on Russia for its war against Ukraine.
Sanctions To Hinder Advancement
The US president said on Thursday that new sanctions could “limit” Russia’s ability to advance its military and aerospace sectors.
The sanctions include blocking export of technology along with curbs on Russian banks and oligarchs close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Dimitry Rogozin, the director general of Roscosmos, tweeted that if the Russian space program suffers as a result of sanctions, “Who will save the space station from an uncontrolled deorbit?”.”””
ISS-Russia History
ISS stands for International Space Station, which was designed to improve US-Russian relations following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
It was built by the US, Russia, Europe, Canada and Japan and has been an example of cooperation between various countries’ space programmes.
It orbits about 250 miles (400 km) above the Earth and is about the size of a football field.
Threats Posed By ISS Deorbit
There are currently four American, two Russian, and a German astronaut working side-by-side in microgravity.
It is scheduled to be deorbited when its services come to an end in 2030 by reentering the upper atmosphere and disintegrating.
Rodozin referred to the ISS’s deorbit, or its uncontrolled fall, which can threaten any country where it lands, such as the US or Europe.
India May Also Be Landing Zone
In addition, he said that China or India could be targeted for dropping the 500-tonne structure.
In response, he asked whether the US wants to threaten these countries with that possibility.
As the ISS does not fly over Russia, “all the risks are yours.”. Are you ready for them?” he said in a subsequent tweet.
NASA Says Cooperation Will Continue
Meanwhile NASA has assured Roscosmos that the new sanctions won’t affect bilateral ties in the space program.
For the operation of the ISS, the company will continue to work with all its international partners, including Roscosmos.