Russian space chief says US shutdown delayed NASA visit

Russia’s space agency chief yesterday said his trip to the US was postponed by NASA due to the government agency falling “victim” to the ongoing shutdown, rather than a diplomatic snub. Head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin, a firebrand nationalist politician known for his anti-Western rhetoric, was set to visit the US in February.

He has now apparently been appeased by an explanation from NASA, whose chief Jim Bridenstine visited Russia in October. “We understand that this situation is a fragment of the battle between (US) Congress and (President Donald) Trump,” Rogozin told state channel Rossiya 24.

“NASA is a victim of this battle,” he said, adding that Russia understands the US space agency to be “in favour of developing cooperation with Russia”, particularly on a potential Moon base.