NASA: can suspend research on ISS

A source from the US Space Agency (NASA) said the agency is considering ending all research programs related to the International Space Station (ISS) within 12 months. Picture 1 of NASA: can suspend research on ISS to control budget shortages.

The agency is suffering from a decrease in funding as the government is busy prioritizing to pay for damages caused by Hurricane Katrina. Kirk Shireman, NASA's space program deputy director, said: 'All this is being considered. We currently have a budget deficit. We are reviewing some views'.

NASA has just completed a space shuttle launch into space after spending more than $ 1.3 billion to improve the safety of this mission . In addition, they have spent more than $ 300 million to upgrade the international space station last year.

To address this situation, NASA is expected to not conduct ISS-related research in 2007, but may resume research activities in the next year or two. Other research programs will focus on exploring the Moon and preparing for flights to Mars.

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