NASA has inked a $306 million deal with the Russian Federal Space Agency for crew transportation services to the International Space Station in 2012 and 2013.NASA's shuttle fleet at that point will be retired, so the agency is paying Russia for six seats aboard Soyuz launches to the station, or $51 million per ride.
The firm, fixed-price contract modification covers comprehensive Soyuz support, including all training and preparation for launch, crew rescue, and landing of a long-duration mission for six individual crew members.
The deal calls for seats on Soyuz launches in the spring of 2012 and the fall of that year; landings would take place in the fall of 2012 and the spring of 2013. The contract modification also covers crew post-flight rehabilitation, medical exams and
services.
The astronauts flying on the Soyuz missions will be able to carry a limited amount of cargo: about 110 pounds up to the station and 37 pounds back to Earth. Each crew member also will be allowed to dispose of 66 pounds of trash.
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