NASA Extends Contract with Russian Federal Space Agency

WASHINGTON -- NASA has signed a $335 million modification to the
current International Space Station contract with the Russian Federal
Space Agency for crew transportation, rescue and related services in
2013 and 2014.

The firm-fixed price modification covers comprehensive Soyuz support,
including all necessary training and preparation for launch, crew
rescue, and landing of a long-duration mission for six individual
station crew members.

In this contract modification, space station crew members will launch
on four Soyuz vehicles in 2013 and return on two vehicles in 2013 and
two in 2014.

Under the contract modification, the Soyuz flights will carry limited
cargo associated with crew transportation to and from the station,
and disposal of trash. The cargo allowed per person is approximately
110 pounds (50 kilograms) launched to the station, approximately 37
pounds (17 kilograms) returned to Earth, and trash disposal of
approximately 66 pounds (30 kilograms).

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Source: NASA