The first meeting of the head of the Federal Space Agency Anatoly Perminov and Charles Bolden on Avenue of the astronauts proved to be warm and friendly.... Charles Bolden bowed ceremoniously to the tree which planted Yuri Gagarin. Carefully looked at the tree of Valentina Tereshkova.
“Woman has a magic touch — this tree has grown higher than others. After seeing the famous Gagarin’s launch, Baikonur museum, houses of Korolev and Gagarin, “Buran”, the head of NASA does not hide emotions.
— Amazing! — he said. — this is my first time in Baikonur, and I feel a very strong impression. You all started this, and you have it all fine today. I hope that it will be so great everyday.
However, when the U.S. and Russia’s colleagues turned to the business part of the meeting, it became clear: the lyrics over, an active business work began.
Only after the launch, when they had so little time before the flight to Moscow, Charles Bolden found time in his busy schedule to answer our questions.
— It is not the first time you are visiting Russia. And you, certainly, have the notion about our country. You, as far as I know, are acquainted with Russian literature and geography. And you talked with Russia’s colleagues as a professional cosmonaut. However, was your baggage of experience enriched after your visit in Moscow, Star City, Baikonur?
— Oh, yes ... I was the fourth time in Russia since 1994, every time I see new horizons of your wonderful country. Russia for me is always beautiful, especially beautiful people.
I say quite sincerely, because in our modern world it is not simple to maintain good and trusting relationship. And the fact that your astronauts, and managers, and employees of rocket and space industry will do it — just wonderful.
The most important thing is that everyone with whom I’ve met in Moscow and Baikonur demonstrated the highest professionalism. This is a very rare and valuable combination, in my opinion. Perhaps this is one of the important features of the famous Russian character.
— You are the head of NASA since recently. What mark would you give to Russia’s space program as the head of the U.S. space agency?
— My answer is brief: I am very impressed. I always remember that it was Russian cosmonaut that made his first space flight, the first time in the history of mankind. And I am aware that Russia has very successful leadership traditions.
I was very impressed by Baikonur. When you see this historical cosmodrome, its launching pad, from which first vehicles and stations had been launched — that makes me feel awe. I would exactly call this feeling. All of this is unusual and beautiful. And this beauty is in simplicity.
— It would be interesting to know to many readers your opinion of our launch vehicles of the family “Soyuz”. Do you like these LVs? Would you like to have an expedition? And what LV do you think is better — “Soyuz” or shuttle?
— I think that “Soyuz” deserves the highest rating. This launch vehicle is operated for a long time, and now it is in good condition. Perhaps today it is the most reliable space system in the world. Russian designers, engineers, working space companies, and all of your countrymen have the reason to be proud. And if we talk about such concepts it is the national pride.
As to the question what LV is better shuttle or “Soyuz”, as a patriot of America, I’ll say without hesitation: shuttle is better. In addition, if you ask me as a professional I will answer frankly and objectively. I was on shuttle board but not on the “Soyuz”. I have friends who flew on these ships. They say — both of them are in excellent condition, their characteristics are entirely consistent with the stated requirements. But I was on the shuttle and I give my support to it.
— How do you think is cooperation of Roscosmos and NASA possible in the future space exploration? Can we assume the appearance of future joint programs?
— I hope so. Actually, I arrived in Baikonur not only to see the launch. Although, this is a fantastic spectacle, but the main component of my stay in Russia is meeting with Mr. Perminov.
I hope that the partnership between our two space agencies, that had begun in the seventies, will be continued. Moreover, on the new, higher quality level.
I am pleased that our ideas on this subject not only discussed, but gradually turned into reality. We have established a joint working group on outer space. The first meeting was fruitful.
With regard to the positions of Russia and the U.S. in matters of bilateral cooperation, we would like to say the following. Of course, I can not speak for Anatoly Perminov but I’ve read some of his speeches, they really liked me, I think that on many issues our positions coincide and it inspires optimism.
We value our partnership. And we will do everything to continue them. In addition, I would like to note that the cosmos — one of the important areas of cooperation on which Russia and the U.S. have no contradiction.
— Is it true that the desire for a more fruitful cooperation with Russia you based not only on a weighted peer assessment, but also on personal experience?
— Certainly. I was able to assess the professional and human qualities of Russian cosmonauts during joint mission with Sergei Krikalev in 1994. I hope that after this major expedition we are bound not only on official duties but on friendly relations.
In addition, I appreciated the generosity and sympathy of Russia after the collapse of the space shuttle “Columbia”. You helped us to continue our space flights. That’s all would be impossible without many years of fruitful collaboration.
A few words about this. People often ask me how I feel about the fact that American cosmonauts use the Russian ships? I beg to draw your attention to an interesting fact in response. In recent years, there is one chair that was fixed for the NASA cosmonauts in the of Russian “Soyuz” engineer crews.
And a few words about that. The American shuttle flights will be completed in one year — six launches was planned. By the way, I can not guarantee the precise time of their launching. So, real security of the international space program depends on the Russia’s “Soyuz”.
— Until recently, you were a professional soldier, fighting general. Tell me, when it was more difficult: in military service or in manager position of NASA? And how do you think who is better with such important functions — a civilian or a soldier?
— Since I am a military man, having a sense of corporate solidarity, I must say that people in uniform deserve to hold the government positions.
Incidentally, the head of the Federal Space Agency Mr. Perminov is the general too. And I think that the rigor and high sense of responsibility, which brings in man military service, are a good support in the work.
— Please tell us what do you think about the joint Russian-US International Space Station?
— In the United States I am speaking to people, it does not matter politicians or to the students, I always say that the ISS — is the best example of partnerships, and this model should be applied in all areas of international relations. I call the station “our little U.N.O.”.
Here’s a thematic example. We send the shuttle to the ISS, and the representatives of thirteen different nations were in the station. Let us remember: when the Japanese LV arrived to the station, American astronaut joined it with the help of the Canadian mechanic arm, being at the US-Russian-European-Japanese-Canadian station. This is very significant achievement. It is very valuable, when specialists of different nationalities work together to fulfill a common and important task for all earthmen.
— What do you think of space tourism?
— In my opinion, this is a very interesting phenomenon. The attraction of outer space is so large that people who had nothing to do with space activities, overcome all the obstacles in their way, pass the necessary training and together with professional cosmonauts go into orbit. It is worthy of respect.
And I think that Guy Laliberte won’t complete the odyssey of space tourism, and a ticket to orbit at number seven won’t be the last.
As far as I know, today there is a proposition for the purchase of a ship at Roscosmos for these purposes. That is not ruled out that there will be two members with Russian commander of the crew in the expedition.
— Would you be willing to fly into space once again?
— Yes, I really want to do it. I have flown four times, but it was long ago. I would fly with my friend Sergei Konstantinovich Krikalev.
— Maybe this time the expedition would take place at the “Soyuz”?
— This is a great idea. Yes, of course, I want to fly “Soyuz” onboard.
Why does the Cosmos attract me? You visualizes that the physical boundaries between peoples do not exist. There are vast expanses of the ocean, the majestic continents, united atmosphere. We just should try to understand it.
Interviewed by Alexander Ostrovsky
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