Nasa Should 'Use Trampoline' To Launch Astronauts Says Russian Minister

Nasa Should 'Use Trampoline' To Launch Astronauts Says Angry Russian

A disgruntled Russian official angry at US-imposed sanctions has suggested Nasa use a trampoline from now on to get astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS).

For the last few years, cuts to the space agency's budget has meant America has relied on the Russian Soyuz to ferry personnel into space.

But the crisis in Ukraine and the sanctions imposed as a result are rankling those within Vladimir Putin's government.

Dmitry Rogozin, Russia’s deputy prime minister, tweeted: "After analyzing the sanctions against our space industry, I suggest to the USA to bring their astronauts to the International Space Station using a trampoline."

So far the crisis has not affected space operations between the two countries.

Some in the private space industry have sought to monopolise on the situation...

Elon Musk's company, SpaceX, already delivers supplies to the ISS and could find itself being an alternative in an international diplomatic spat if things get any worse.

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