MOSCOW, September 5 (RIA Novosti) - The current geopolitical situation will not interfere with the joint work of Russian and American astronauts, ISS crew members told journalists on Friday.
“We carry out work that is necessary for the whole of humanity. There are no borders in space,” said cosmonaut Alexander Samokutyayev from the Russian Federal Space Agency Roscosmos, in response to journalists’ questions on whether the current geopolitical situation would affect the relationship between astronauts on the International Space Station.
Members of the space crew work together and support each other, regardless of nationality, gender and religion, he added.
Samokutyayev and fellow Russian cosmonaut Elena Serova will be joined by their colleague from NASA Barry Wilmore on a mission to the International Space Station on September 25.
According to Wilmore, there are times in space when his life depends on the Russian cosmonauts and vice versa. In such moments, the absolute trust between crew members is tested and showcased, he said.
Elena Serova agreed with her colleagues and noted that despite any political tensions between their countries, astronauts train together and work towards a common goal.
The International Space Station (ISS) was first launched in 1998. Fifteen nations are currently involved in the project, including Russia, United States, Canada, Japan and eleven members of the European Space Agency.
