Russian Space Tourist Flight Talks May Fail

MOSCOW. Aug 18 (Interfax) – The negotiations between the Russian Federal Space Agency and the first potential Russian space tourist, businessman Sergei Polonsky, concerning the organization of his flight are verging on failure.

“The parties have still been unable to reach understanding on essential terms and conditions of the contract. In particular, having agreed on the price for the flight, the parties have been unable to reach mutual understanding as regards responsibility in case the flight is cancelled for objective reasons. The final decision will be made on August 19,” a source close to the negotiating process told Interfax.

According to the source’s information, Polonsky has already paid several million dollars. However, he has demanded that, if the flight is cancelled for objective reasons, the money be returned.

In addition, the parties have not reached a consensus on the distribution of financial risks and the settlement of relations between the Federal Space Agency and its foreign partners under the International Space Station program.

There are also problems with Polonsky’s size, the source said. “His height and weight exceed the established standard, and therefore he could have problems with the use of a spacesuit and a chair onboard the Soyuz spacecraft,” the source said.

The Federal Space Agency’s press service refrained from commenting on the information concerning Polonsky’s contract.