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Cold War Standoff Over ISS Toilet

Posted by timothy on from the can't-even-agree-on-a-name dept.

Hugh Pickens writes "The International Space Station, once a place where astronauts would share food and facilities, is said to be embroiled in a Cold War-like stand-off after a Russian cosmonaut complained he is no longer allowed to use a US toilet or the US gym machine. Gennady Padalka, a veteran Russian cosmonaut, says that space officials from Russia, the United States and other countries now require cosmonauts and astronauts to eat their own food and follow stringent rules on access to other facilities, including lavatories. Padalka, who will be the station's next commander, says the arguments date back to 2003, when Russia started charging other space agencies for the resources used by their astronauts and other partners in space station responded in kind. 'Cosmonauts are above the ongoing squabble, no matter what officials decide,' says Padalka. 'We are grown-up, well-educated and good-mannered people and can use our own brains to create normal relationship. It's politicians and bureaucrats who can't reach agreement, not us, cosmonauts and astronauts.' While sharing food in the past helped the crew feel like a team, the new rules oblige Russian cosmonauts and US astronauts to eat their own food. 'They also recommend us to only use national toilets,' says Padalka. 'What is going on has an adverse effect on our work.'"

10 of 417 comments (clear)

  1. This is just sheer stupidity. by Black+Rabbit · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What fucking idiot politician thought this up?

    1. Re:This is just sheer stupidity. by Shakrai · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Unfortunately ALL of them qualify as "fucking idiots"

      Fixed that for you. You had an extra word in there.

      Why do we elect these bozos as our leaders?

      Because the bozo in my political party stands for all that is just and righteous, while the bozo in the other political party is out to destroy America as we know it.

      --
      I want peace on earth and goodwill toward man.
      We are the United States Government! We don't do that sort of thing.
    2. Re:This is just sheer stupidity. by GooberToo · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Its actually not what it sounds like. Russia has been making money with space tourists and the US does not want to fund the extra wear and tear forced on the sparse resources.

      Should US tax dollars really be used to allow for billionaires to play around in space? No. The simple fact is, it is VERY expensive to repair/replace anything in space and Russia is increasing the wear on various components by bringing additional people aboard who provide no benefit what-so-ever. In a very reasonable and appropriate response, the US' position is, if the Russians want to place additional burdens on sparse resources, they need to do so only on their own resources. Contrary to the idiocy of the article, its a very reasonable position to hold. If Russia wants their complaint to be heard, all they have to do is start being reasonable and responsible. Until such time, they can STFU and burden their own resources. If they don't like it, they can start acting responsibly.

    3. Re:This is just sheer stupidity. by fugue · · Score: 5, Insightful

      Its actually not what it sounds like. Russia has been making money with space tourists and the US does not want to fund the extra wear and tear forced on the sparse resources.

      That is reasonable, but it's not what the article says. If the rule were "Tourists must not filch food or gym fees or waste disposal from (other nations') taxpayers" then I'd be for it. But what the hell is the point of an international collaboration if there is no international collaboration? If this makes the 'nauts' lives worse, it is a stupid idea. What is the cost of training an astronaut and putting her in orbit vs. the cost of buying a foreigner lunch every so often (or all the time) in order to foster an atmosphere of cooperation? We now have less effective teams in space. As a taxpayer, I feel ripped off.

      --
      "The biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place."
    4. Re:This is just sheer stupidity. by Flytrap · · Score: 5, Insightful

      The russians? I mean the summary says quite clearly the russians started it and if they did I'd also start charging right back at them...

      I doubt that that will be a wise move for any nation, considering that the Russians will be the only way to and from the station for several years; they also have the only regular cargo shuttle (the Europeans managed a single experimental trip that promisses a significant improvement in cargo capacity); and the emergancy evacuation shuttle is a Russian soyuze attached to the station.

      I'd say that nobody is in a position to dictate terms to the Russians, at least for the next 8-odd years.

  2. Re:In Soviet Space Station by east+coast · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Seriously though, can't the crew just tell the people on the ground to shove it up their ass?

    I think that's pretty much what they're saying: 'Cosmonauts are above the ongoing squabble, no matter what officials decide,' says Padalka. 'We are grown-up, well-educated and good-mannered people and can use our own brains to create normal relationship. It's politicians and bureaucrats who can't reach agreement, not us, cosmonauts and astronauts.'

    It's refreshing to have such a public statement of defiance in the face of stupidity. Too bad Republicans and Democrats (not just the politicians but also their brown shirts on the ground) don't do the same in a very forward manner. Yes, Slashdot drones, I'm looking at you.

    --
    Dedicated Cthulhu Cultist since 4523 BC.
  3. Re:Do it anyway by Scutter · · Score: 5, Insightful

    What are the bosses going to do, stop by their desk and give them a stern talking-to?

    The alternative is "you never go to space again and your career as an astronaut/cosmonaut is over". There have been lots of stories in the past about how astronauts are treated like lab rats but they put up with it because it's the only way to get to orbit.

    --

    "Tell me doctor, with all of your defenses, are there any provisions for an attack by killer bees?"
  4. Re:Don't use the Vulcan's toilet by p0tat03 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    The same reason perfectly wealthy people quibble over pennies on a dinner bill? When scarcity is no longer a concern, you're still left with the assholes of the world :)

  5. Re:Do it anyway by sshir · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Russians began it by charging to use "their" resources

    Actually, Russians started to charge for the ride to the station which is completely understandable considering costs involved.

    Summary is rather inflammatory by calling it "charging for resources".

    Yea, the toilet thing is a really petty retaliation. But this is the era of asymmetric warfare after all...

  6. Re:It's because by Nerdfest · · Score: 5, Insightful

    It's purely a political 'pissing contest'.