Russian President Calls Space Station, Proposes International Summit on Space

International Space Station

Russian President Dmitry Medvedev marked the 49th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s flight into space with a call to astronauts aboard the International Space Station. He praised the occupants of the orbiting laboratory, pointed to the project as an example of successful international cooperation, and proposed that world leaders hold a summit to discuss what else they might do in space together.

“No country can develop space alone, we need to combine our efforts and we need to talk about it more often. So maybe we could have some sort of international meeting, maybe at the heads of governments level. Because we talk about various issues, such as tackling all kinds of challenges, dangers and hazards that humanity is facing these days, various disarmament programs, etc., but there is a very important and positive factor that unites us all. So maybe it would be good to have a summit, maybe at the heads of governments level, for the countries that are working in space. So see, I have a very good idea on this holiday. What do you think? We could invite you to participate as well.”

Astronaut Tracy Caldwell Dyson responded for the ISS crew:

“On behalf of all of us here on the International Space Station, including our shuttle colleagues, we just want to wish everyone congratulations on this historic day. It means as much to us for the event of Yuri’s first launch as it does for all of the people involved in making this space program possible. We’re all filled with gratitude and appreciation. Congratulations to all of you.”

Thirteen astronauts are aboard ISS, including a six-person station crew and seven visitors aboard the space shuttle Discovery.

April 12 is Cosmonautics Day in Russia, marking the the first human spaceflight by Gargarin in 1961. The first American space shuttle flew on the same date 20 years later.

Read a full account of the exchange at Spaceflight Now.