The refusal is connected with the war that Russia started in Ukraine.
The European Space Agency (ESA) has refused to cooperate with Roscosmos in the ExoMars mission to explore Mars. This is due to Russia's attack on Ukraine, according to the agency's website.
“As an intergovernmental organization authorized to develop and implement space programs in full compliance with European values, we deeply regret the human casualties and tragic consequences of the aggression against Ukraine. Recognizing the impact on space research, the EU fully supports the sanctions imposed on Russia by its member states, “the statement said.
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The council of the agency, which met on March 16-17 in Paris, decided that it is currently impossible to continue cooperation with Russia under the ExoMars program and instructed the Director General of ESA to take measures to suspend cooperation. It is noted that the Director General will also consider possible ways that will still allow the mission, but without the participation of Russia.
The report also notes that after Roscosmos decided to remove its personnel from the spaceport in French Guiana, all launches that were to be carried out with the help of the Unions have been postponed. This mainly concerns the four institutional missions for which ESA is the launch procurement organization (Galileo M10, Galileo M11, Euclid and EarthCare), and one additional institutional launch.
“The International Space Station program continues to operate normally. The main goal is to continue the safe operation of the ISS, including ensuring the safety of the crew, “the agency said.
It will be recalled that on March 16, the UN International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled in the case of Russia's genocide in Ukraine. The court demands that the Russian Federation immediately stop military operations in Ukraine and withdraw troops from the state.
The President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky reacted to the decision, reminding that the court decision is mandatory, otherwise the country will be completely isolated.
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