International Partners commit to reducing operational costs while increasing the use of the Station
The International Space Station Multilateral Coordination Board (MCB) met on Thursday 3 February by videoconference to discuss the Station operations. The partners want to continue using the station as a test-bed for exploration and find innovative ways to reduce costs while increasing use.
Senior representatives from NASA, CSA, Roscosmos, the Japanese Ministry of Education, Culture Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), JAXA and ESA, including ESA Director of Human Spaceflight, Simonetta Di Pippo, reaffirmed their commitment to reduce operational costs, develop an integrated transportation plan and maximise return by increasing research aboard the Station.
The governments of Japan and the Russian Federation have already approved continued ISS operations beyond 2016. The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 extended operations until at least 2020. CSA and ESA are working with their respective governments to reach consensus about the continuation of the station.
The MCB members also renewed its commitment to use Station resources and observation capability to assist in humanitarian needs such as aiding in disaster recovery, tracking oil spills and monitoring climate change.
Last update: 9 February 2011
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