NASA Extends Contract With Russia For Trips To Space Station

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From RIA Novosti:

WASHINGTON, May 29 (RIA Novosti) - NASA has signed a $306 million deal with Russia's Federal Space Agency Roscosmos extending the current contract for transporting crew to the International Space Station.

The deal covers four Soyuz launches - two in spring 2012, and another two in fall 2012. It provides for post-flight rehabilitation of crewmembers, limited cargo transit to the ISS, and trash disposal.

NASA said in a statement on its website on Thursday that the contract modification also includes "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."

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