The Americans suggested Russia increasing the quantity of one-year ISS missions so that 12 missions have accomplished experiments to prepare for long-distance spaceflights by 2024, – RSC Energia Vice President Alexander Derechin said.
“On the whole our American partners suggest sending 12 year long missions to the ISS three crew members each, incliding e.g. Russian, American and European crew members”, – said Derechin opening international research and practice conference dedicated to manned spaceflights.
He reminded that Scott Kelly and Mikhail Korniyenko are working onboard the station accomplishing one-year long mission to determine what medical studies are needed to prepare for long-distance spaceflight.
Besides the scientists are discussing “communication loss” experiment that is to last for one week. During this experiment the crew will try to take decisions without advice of Earth-based specialists.