While Russia's invasion of Ukraine continued, the US and EU took action to impose sanctions. Against the sanctions, voices were raised from the Putin administration that 'we will respond in the same way'. The Russian Space Agency has also participated in the sanctions debate, threatening to drop the Space Station on the US or Europe.
As the conflicts intensified on the third day of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, the USA and EU countries are adding a new one to their sanctions against Russia every day.
A 'dangerous' statement came from Russia against these sanctions decisions.
The head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos has claimed that the International Space Station (ISS) could leave orbit and crash into the United States or Europe as a result of sanctions against Russia.
'No Warranty'
The comments came after US president Joe Biden announced new sanctions that would "harm Russia's aviation industry, including its space programs."
“If you block cooperation with us, there is no guarantee that the International Space Station (ISS) will not leave orbit uncontrollably and fall into the United States or Europe,” Roscosmos Managing Director Dmitry Rogozin said in a message on his Twitter account.
He pointed out that the orbit of the station and its position in space are controlled by Russian-made engines.
“The Chance of a 500-Ton Building Falling…”
Rogozin; “There is also the possibility that a 500-tonne structure will fall on India and China. Do you want to threaten them with such a possibility? The ISS does not fly over Russia, so all risks affect you. Are you ready for these? " said.
On the other hand, Russia announced that it has decided to stop its space studies with Europe.
Professor of Strategy and Security Studies at the School of Advanced Air and Aviation. Wendy Whitman Cobb said: "While it may seem frightening, this is probably an empty threat, both because of the political implications and the practical difficulty of getting Russian cosmonauts out of the ISS safely." But Cobb said, "But I'm concerned about how the invasion will affect the remaining years of the space station." said.
How did NASA respond?
In a statement made by NASA, Roscosmos stated that they continue to work with their partners in Canada, Europe and Japan to ensure that the ISS operation can continue safely and uninterruptedly. "The new export control rules will continue to allow for US-Russia civil space cooperation," the statement said.
Scott Pace, director of the George Washington University Space Policy Institute, noted this week that "a breakup with Russia could potentially endanger the space station, but only if diplomatic relations collapse. "This will be a last resort, and I don't think it will happen unless there is a wider military conflict," Pace told the Associated Press news agency.
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