NASA extends contract with Russian Federal Space Agency

WASHINGTON, April 6 (Xinhua) -- NASA has signed a 335-million-dollar modification to the current International Space Station contract with the Russian Federal Space Agency for crew transportation, rescue and related services in 2013 and 2014, the U.S. space agency said Tuesday.

The firm-fixed price modification covers comprehensive Soyuz support, including all necessary training and preparation for launch, crew rescue, and landing of a long-duration mission for six individual station crew members, NASA said in a a statement.

In this contract modification, space station crew members will launch on four Soyuz vehicles in 2013 and return on two vehicles in 2013 and two in 2014, which means the price for every U.S. astronaut to hitch a ride on a Russian spaceship will be 55.8 million dollars.

NASA now pays half as much, about 26.3 million dollars per astronaut, when it uses Russian ships. NASA spokesman John Yembrick said the cost is going up because Russia has to build more capsules for the extra flights.

Under the new contract, the Soyuz flights will carry limited cargo associated with crew transportation to and from the station, and disposal of trash. The cargo allowed per person is approximately 110 pounds (50 kg) launched to the station, approximately 37 pounds (17 kg) returned to Earth, and trash disposal of approximately 66 pounds (30 kg).