Roscosmos and NASA collaboration was at the forefront of a recent high-level meeting between Roscosmos CEO Dmitry Bakanov and NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations Kenneth Bowersox at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The meeting, held on Monday, aimed to strengthen bilateral cooperation on a range of space initiatives.
According to an official Roscosmos statement, the discussions covered several key projects, notably the ongoing development of the Baiterek Rocket Complex. This joint Russian-Kazakh initiative is being designed to support the launch of the new Soyuz-5 rocket. Test launches from Baiterek are anticipated by the end of the year, signaling a major milestone for regional space capabilities.
In addition to launch infrastructure, the two sides reviewed continued collaboration aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which remains one of the most visible symbols of Roscosmos and NASA collaboration in space.
Tourism development in Baikonur was also on the agenda, reflecting a shared interest in expanding the cultural and commercial significance of the historic site.
The meeting takes place ahead of the 50th anniversary of the Apollo-Soyuz Test Project – the first joint crewed spaceflight between the United States and the Soviet Union in 1975. Roscosmos and NASA are reportedly planning a series of commemorative events, though specific details have yet to be announced.
This renewed dialogue underscores the importance of maintaining open channels for scientific and technical cooperation, even amid complex geopolitical landscapes.
