Dear Mr. Goldin:

By your letter of September 29, 1998 NASA has requested approval to modify an existing contract with the Russian Space Agency, the purpose of which is to facilitate the immediate transfer of $60,000,000 to RSA for purchase of crew time and storage space on Russian elements. Through this payment, it is assumed that work on the third element of the International Space Station can proceed with the objective of launch in July of 1999.

We remain concerned that this funding does not address the total needs of RSA for calendar year 1998, estimated at $100,000,000. In addition, the proposed modification to contract NAS 15-10110 still does not appear to ensure delivery and launch of the critical third element of the station. Moreover, recent conversations between your staff and the staffs of the Committees have revealed that prior to the end of 1998, an additional $40,000,000 may be required for the Russian Space Agency. As such, while your letter does not propose that the United States would be the source of this funding, we wish to convey at this time that such a proposal for additional funds beyond the current transfer of $60,000,000 would be viewed with grave concern. It has been indicated that the only goods or services which are of use to NASA, and not already covered in the proposed $60,000,000 modification, would be procurement of a Soyuz crew return vehicle at a total cost in excess of the $40,000,000 requirement. We therefore want to be clear that any proposal to procure Soyuz or Progress vehicles at this time would be extremely premature and should not be considered as a viable use of United States funding.

It is our belief that rather than embarking on a plan to procure Soyuz and Progress vehicles, it is not the time for NASA to share with the Congress its comprehensive plan for ending United States dependence on Russia. It is clear that previous assurances made to the Chairman of the House Committee on Science regarding United States autonomous flight and life support capability during all phases of station assembly have not materialized. The resulting dependence on Russian elements has meant increased expense to the American taxpayers. If the taxpayers are expected to pay additional costs, we believe the goal should be United States autonomy.

Taking into consideration the forgoing, we approve the proposal to use $60,000,000 of fiscal year 1998 funding for the purpose stated in our letter of September 29, 1998. However, none of the funds may be expended until the Congress receives a plan which eliminates United States reliance on Russia at the earliest possible date.

We look forward to working with you as we move toward assembly of the International Space Station.

Return to NASA Watch