Russia, which launched an invasion of Ukraine, is feared to trigger friction between Russia and the United States (US), which is currently still sharing a place on the International Space Station (ISS).
For information, Russia is the US's largest partner in space. These two countries both operate the ISS. The two countries have worked together for nearly a decade on the ISS.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in recent days has sparked worldwide condemnation. On the sporting front, the Polish-Swedish football team refused to compete with Russia.
In the technology sector, Meta restricts access to WhatsApp to Instagram. In the field of broadcasting, various countries have closed broadcasts from Russia. It is feared that it will spread to outer space.
So far, as reported by The Verge, Monday (28/2/2022), the US Space Agency (NASA) and the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) are still working together to keep the ISS in orbit.
The fate of astronauts and cosmonauts is still on the ISS carrying out their respective duties. Noted, there are four NASA astronauts and two cosmonauts inhabit there.
"NASA continues to work closely with Roscosmos and our other international partners in Canada, Europe, and Japan to maintain the operation of the International Space Station," said NASA spokesman Johs Finch.
However, the US may distance itself from the Russian aerospace company due to the warming situation on Earth.
"It's not an option to be unrelated about the ISS. But basically, something that I think could be postponed or cancelled," said Makena Young of the Aerospace security project at CSIS.
Russia itself has acted if the space sector was affected after the Red Bear country launched its invasion of Ukraine.
"Do you want to destroy our cooperation on the ISS? If you stop cooperation with us, who will save the ISS from an uncontrolled deorbit and falling into the United States or Europe?," said Roscosmos chief Dmitry Rogozin.
"There is also the option of dropping 500-ton structures on India and China. Do you want to threaten them with such a prospect? The ISS doesn't fly over Russia, so all the risks are in your hands. Are you ready?" he continued.