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The Space Operations Division (SOD) manages international relations for the Space Operations Mission Directorate, providing policy guidance and program support for the Space Shuttle and International Space Station (ISS) programs, space communications and navigation, launch services, program integration, human spaceflight and crew issues. SOD also supports the Office of Safety and Mission Assurance and the Chief Health and Medical Officer on international safety and health and medical matters. This support includes providing policy guidance and recommendations on international issues and relationships with current and prospective foreign partners, drafting and negotiating international agreements for new space cooperation, and supporting ongoing interaction with international partners for existing cooperative missions. The ISS program, for example, is a partnership of numerous spacefaring nations under the leadership of NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), and the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) and requires significant international coordination of policy and program matters.
Currently, a key international partner for the Space Operations Mission Directorate is Russia (ROSCOSMOS). SOD has the lead role for NASA relations with Russia, Ukraine, and other states of the former Soviet Union. This role requires significant policy guidance and close coordination with the Department of State and other Federal agencies, as well as close contact with the Russian Federal Space Agency and NASA personnel stationed in Russia.
As part of its support of the ISS program, SOD also serves as the executive secretariat for the International Space Station Multilateral Coordination Board, chaired by the NASA Associate Administrator for Space Operations, and the NASA International Space Station Advisory Committee, which works as a joint commission with the Russian Federal Space Agency Advisory Expert Council.
Future Direction
As NASA approaches the milestone of retiring the Space Shuttle and transitioning to a new generation of crew and cargo space vehicles while continuing to fly the International Space Station, international relations will remain a key element of ongoing space operations and transition to future initiatives. SOD will continue to provide support and guidance to further the objectives of the Space Operations Mission Directorate.
For further information, please contact Albert D. Sofge (albert.d.sofge@nasa.gov), Director of the Space Operations Division.
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