CSA head says business as usual on space station, despite sanctions against Russia

MONTREAL – The head of the Canadian Space Agency says sanctions taken against Russia for its invasion of Crimea are not affecting operations on the International Space Station.

NASA is continuing co-operation related to the space station but has severed its ties with Russia and forbidden its employees from travelling to the country.

Canadian Space Agency president Walt Natynczyk says Canada continues to work with all its partners involved in the space station, which include the United States, Russia, Europe and Japan.

But he adds the situation will be looked at on a case-by-case basis.

Natynczyk made his comments to reporters after a luncheon speech to the Montreal Council on Foreign Relations.

He would not comment when asked whether the Canadian Space Agency was consulted by NASA before the Americans decided to cut off links with the Russians, referring the matter to the Foreign Affairs Department.

Canada’s former top general also would not share his own thoughts when asked about Russia’s military intervention in Eastern Ukraine.

NASA has said that it will continue to work with the Russian space agency to maintain continuous operation of the space station.

But in a memo sent to workers, it has barred its employees from emailing or holding teleconferences with their Russian counterparts.