Russia signs a $306 million deal with NASA to ferry astronauts to space station in 2012

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Source: AP

MOSCOW (AP) — The Russian space agency says it has signed a $306 million deal with NASA to ferry its astronauts to the international space station in 2012.

Roscosmos said Friday the agreement covers four launches aboard the three-person Soyuz capsules to swap out crews in the orbiting laboratory.

NASA said Russia would supply comprehensive support for six NASA crew members taking part in long-duration missions.

The pact extends Russia's existing contract with NASA for transporting station crew, but seems to represent an increase in Russia's transport charges.

Read more: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/wire/sns-ap-eu-russia-us-space,1,2543721.story