What was the most cited figure for a single NASA seat aboard a Soyuz mission following the Space Shuttle retirement?
Answer
~$80 million
The most commonly referenced price point for a guaranteed seat for a NASA astronaut on a Russian Soyuz mission during the period immediately following the Space Shuttle program's retirement was approximately $80 million. This figure was established as the standard rate for accessing the International Space Station. This price point was not merely for the launch itself; it represented a comprehensive agreement between NASA and Roscosmos that factored in necessary services such as detailed training protocols, the provision of launch services, and ongoing operational support required for American astronauts journeying to low Earth orbit.
Related Questions
What was the most cited figure for a single NASA seat aboard a Soyuz mission following the Space Shuttle retirement?What inherent lack of reusability in the crew segment significantly raises the recurring Soyuz cost per flight?Which American commercial crew vehicle began regular operations around 2020, marking the end of exclusive Soyuz reliance?What component system sometimes approached the price of a single Soyuz crew seat in certain analyses?How did the early commercial Crew Dragon per-seat price generally compare to the established Soyuz rate of $80 million?What services were encapsulated within the $80 million fee NASA paid for a Soyuz seat?Following the retirement of the Space Shuttle program in 2011, approximately how long did NASA rely on Soyuz for crew transport?The consistent pricing of the Soyuz program reflects an amortization schedule based on what key historical factor?How does the philosophy behind newer commercial vehicles contrast with the largely expendable Soyuz operational model?What is the massive long-term budgetary implication if agencies secure reliable transport for substantially less money per astronaut?