By suspending its space shuttle program in 2010, the US is retarding innovation and adopting a policy of deliberate dependence on Russia - Inspired by Michael D. Griffin, Administrator of NASA.

Josh Schwartz reports that in two years Star City will be the only place to send astronauts from any nation to the International Space Station. "From 2010, when the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shuts down the space shuttle program, to 2015, when the next generation of American spacecraft is scheduled to arrive, NASA expects to have no human flight capacity and will depend on Russia to get to the $100 billion station, buying seats on Soyuz craft as space tourists do."

Both McCain and Obama are against the suspension, while NASA's administrator Michael D. Griffin, has called the situation “unseemly in the extreme." He writes: “events have unfolded in a way that makes it clear how unwise it was for the U.S. to adopt a policy of deliberate dependence on another power."

Recently, and particularly in light of Russia's recent showdown with Georgia, the US's relationship with Russia has come under scrutiny. Senator Bill Nelson of Florida has referred to Vladimir Putin as "a Russian prime minister who believes he’s czar."