Subscribe now

IN SPACE nobody can hear you scream. But that hasn’t stopped NASA trying. Last week, a leaked email exchange between NASA officials and their counterparts in Russia gave a unique insight into horse-trading between the agencies over the upkeep of the International Space Station (ISS).

The exchange began after the US discovered that two of its three spacesuits on board the ISS had malfunctioned, so astronauts will have to borrow Russian suits to repair damage to the station later this month. NASA is forbidden from paying Russia for equipment related to the ISS, but the emails reveal that another…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop