US Astronaut Vande Hei Returns from ISS on Russian Capsule

JUL 29 2022·Updated DEC 21 2022

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The Facts

Astronaut Mark Vande Hei has returned as scheduled from the International Space Station (ISS) in a Russian Soyuz capsule after a US record 355 days in space.
USA Today
Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anton Shkaplerov also returned on the capsule, which landed in Kazakhstan.
USA Today
Statements by Dmitry Rogozin – a longtime Putin ally and the head of Russia's space agency Roscosmos – had caused fear that the Russians might abandon their obligations amid tensions on the ground over their invasion of Ukraine, but the agency always officially promised it would meet its commitment.
Independent
Russia and the US have enjoyed over two decades of cooperation through the ISS, with the US providing power to the Russian side, while Russia keeps the station in orbit and transports astronauts back and forth.
wapo
NASA and other Western space agencies hope to keep the ISS running until 2030, but Russia hasn't committed beyond 2024.
New York Post

Sources Split

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The Spin

Narrative A

The uncertainty that surounded this effort after the Russian invasion of Ukraine should be a wakeup call that the US has to do more to improve its space program and separate itself from Russia when it comes to the ISS. Dependency on Russia carries high costs and serious risks.

Daily Caller

Narrative B

Not only is the ISS an important tool for science, it's also a powerful symbol of human cooperation in a world filled with strife. It would be a sad day for everyone if the partnership breaks up over geopolitical tensions.

Ars Technica