Company Watch - Nasa

New York (AirGuideBusiness - Company Watch) Mar 7, 2010 Well, it looks like Charles Simonyi might have to wait a while for a third trip, because space tourism is going on hiatus. With the shuttle's cancellation leaving Russia as the only country able to service the International Space Station (ISS), the Russian government has announced it will no longer let civilians hitch a ride on Soyuz flights. Due to obsolescence and budget cuts, NASA's Space Shuttle will cease flying at the end of the year. That retirement places a great deal of pressure on the Russian space program. Until the arrival of the Shuttle's replacement, Russia needs to conserve space on any and all flights to meet the needs of the ISS. That means no seats for tourists. Mar 4, 2010