Russia to charge for space trips

[Khephra]

The Russian space agency says it will stop carrying US astronauts to the International Space Station for free.

Agency head Anatoly Perminov said US astronauts would be ferried to the ISS "on a commercial basis" from 2006.

US shuttles remain grounded following the fatal accident last year when the Columbia shuttle burned up on re-entry.

Correspondents say that the agency, Roskosmos, operates with a budget much smaller than its US counterpart, Nasa, and is facing financial hardship.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/4131363.stm

[Spinzonner]

1. Any discounts for advance purchase ?

I have a feeling these will be First Class rates

[Massachusetts]

2. Good Business.

[Massacure]

3. Russia sends civilians up for $20 million a pop.

I wouldn't be suprised if they use that same figure for U.S. astronauts.

I think the shuttle is supposed to be done by 2006 though.