Russia Blames Dwindling ISS Food Stocks on Previous Crew

Text of report by Russian Channel One TV on 10 December

There have been some alarming new reports about the state of affairs at the ISS [International Space Station]. Quoting MCC [Mission Control Centre] sources, several news agencies reported today that the crew of the international station may have to return to Earth early. A precise date is even being mentioned – 30 December. This will happen if the launch of the Progress resupply craft, scheduled for the end of the month, fails. Its task is to take several containers of food to the station. It is not just anonymous sources at MCC but also NASA officials who are saying that food supplies at the ISS are running out. According to one claim, the previous crew is to blame for the difficulties which have arisen. According to the Institute of Biomedical Problems, which is responsible for the planning of space rations, the cosmonauts, allegedly, applied themselves too vigorously to the bread, dairy products and canned meat and fish. Officials at MCC and Roskosmos [Federal Space Agency] have refused to comment so far.