I find it strange, Europe's decision to buy a Soyuz spacecraft. Even knowing its safe and reliable record, I wonder why they don't build their own? Since the Soviet Union collapse, all Europe and US did was, bring all past Warsaw Pact Countries into NATO, blame Russia on the gas Ukraine war, as well faulting Russia on the Georgian Tyrannic aggression. On top of that, the Ukrainian and Georgian Fascist Puppets, placed in power by the Fascists, that paid and organized all Color revolutions, have done all possible, to damage Russia, in accordance with the orders received from their Imperial NATO, and ZIONNATO Masters. Is it possible,the cause of this change of heart, on the Imperialistic side,was caused by the Russian Government new laws, that are about to pass, that place the Russian Nation in position, to BETTER defend itself, and Friendly Nations, that were and are coveted, and possible subjected to being attacked, by these same Russian enemies? I truly believe, that is the case, and I am glad to see Russia finally stand up, to any and all enemies, be it from far, or any smart neighbor. Regardless of their distance enemies should all be treated equally. It is about time Russia, and its Allies, stand together and face this Cancerous Alliance, that has, and is causing, so much suffering throughout the World.

Given that Soyuz has already proven itself being a reliable vehicle for reaching ISS, the Europe's decision to purchase one for its own use is quite logical. Yet Soyuz is the 20 century technology, but the reliability is still its main advantage. As for the Space Shuttle, once retired some large compartments will not be possible to be lifted out there to the ISS, and people will only then realize how mightyfull and useful the Shuttle really was. Unfortunately, it hasn't been improved over the decades and the whole concept slowly flows into being abandoned. Lets not forget that the Habble Space Telescope, who brought a revolution in astronomy, has been assembled primary by use of Shuttle. I however feel the planet needs more than one reliable craft. Perhaps two joint projects: USA-China and Russia-Europe which would compete up to a certain level, but still being complementary in some key details?

I think it's good that russia is selling it to the world but we can't trust them. They will use the spacecraft to launch weapons into space agaist russia.

No, the europeans are not to be trusted and certainly not their masters in Washington. So what happened to the €U space program they boasted so much about? Now when the USA are scrapping their expensive and unrelyable flying coffins, it suddenly appears to the €Urocrats that their only way of getting to the ISS is through russian know-how. Russian rocket technology is way way ahead the western powers, don´t give them the advantedge of studying it. Let them pay, and pay dearly, for their trips from Baikonur instead like the americans.

Dmitry You are being just silly - there is no point of having orbital weaponry, the same can be aquired with simple ICBMs for less cost. If You would know something about space based weapons then You`d know that there is a great risk of introducing Kessler`s syndrome in case of fire exchange on orbit - when both attacker and defender will get no advantage. Soyuz is a very good construction and actually nothing better in space stations department cannot be made - and there is no need. Developing own space stations would be expensive and testing them might be dangerous. Why ESA should bother if they have a good solution right away? Manuel You are silly - Warsaw Pact Countries (thanks for capitals) choose to be in NATO themselves, not by some conspiracy but because they had enough of "friendly" relations with USSR. You could believe in some sort of conspiracy if one or two countries did that - but almost all did that with the exclusion of countries with leaders installed by the USSR or Russia - isnt it strange?

We want to buy Soyuz because it's cheap, it works, it's safe and it's available now. We have plans for a manned craft (refer to http://www.esa.int/esaHS/SEMKCY4DHNF_iss_0.html) but they are still a long way off and would be expensive (remember that Europe isn't a single country, so anythging large and expensive like this is hard to get agreement on). As to weapons in space, we've been able to do that for years. As to not trusting Europe, who's asking you to?

Russia is master for cosmos and all kind of weapons.Look at rifle Kalashnjikov hehheeee Long live biggest state in the world Russia Brother Serb

That is a good news for the Russian's space industry that Europe shows its firm willingness of purchasing Russian spacecraft. Russia should not sell its spacecrafts but indeed let the Eurpeons to pay/hire the Russian spacecraft - that is not true the Europeons concerned about the cost of their own space program. In fact they can not much their technology with Russians spacecraft which has proved since its inception its realibility and safty. The Russians made the first spacestation (MIR) while the west was unable to produce one of their own - but when the Russians allowed the US and Europeon austronots to visit the Russian made MIR space-station then they copied and understood how to create but again, the Russians contribution is again huge in creation fo the ISS. Russia, you are the number one in space technology. Go ahead with your unchallenged invention. Regards,