COLORADO SPRINGS (Sputnik) — DLR, which serves as the German Space Agency, was part of the ExoMars launch last month involving the European Union and Moscow. The mission consists of an orbiting satellite with an attached landing craft destined for the surface of the red planet.
"We work well together with Russia. And it is definitely possible that in the framework of operations, of exploration, there will be more cooperation," Ehrenfreund said on the sidelines of the Space Symposium in Colorado Springs on Thursday.
Ehrenfreund noted that Germany and Russia are discussing future missions to Mars and to the Moon.
Unlike many government executives at the conference, Ehrenfreund had no hesitation discussing his nation’s ties with Moscow, expressing hope that science can help ease political tensions in other areas.
"Science is always a bridge and it overcomes many political happenings and problems," he stated. "And as you also see on the International Space Station, it's a very good example of international cooperation which is not harmed by any political influences."