International cooperation in the sphere of manned flights. Part 2. Development and operation of the International Space Station

Problems of the international cooperation during development and operation of the Russian Segment (RS) of the International Space Station (ISS) are discussed. Consideration is given to the history of the project and the structure of the joint management bodies. The solution of international legal matters including property and resource allocation issues in the context of the difficulties in financing the national manned space program in the nineties and in the early 2000s is addressed. The progress of the program implementation is described, it is noted that Russia fulfills all international obligations incurred. The role of RSC Energia in providing delivery of the crews and cargoes to the ISS upon termination of the U.S. Space Shuttle flights is emphasized. The results of cooperation and the examples of mutual assistance of the partners, difficulties of generating segments and agreements on extension of the ISS operation are shown. Science programs fulfilled jointly with foreign colleagues are summarized.