While the United States leads the world in space initiatives and exploration, it is not the only country with active interests off the planet. Rivaling the achievements of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) in space exploration is Russia, which inherited the Soviet Union's space assets and cherished space history. Although economic uncertainties undermine the stability and future of the Russian space program, at the end of 2001 it remained the only country, other than the United States, which could launch people into orbit.

The Russian Focus on Space Stations

As a major partner in the International Space Station program, Russia is responsible for sending Progress unpiloted cargo ships and Soyuz capsules to the outpost. The Soyuz spacecraft is a small, three-person vessel that serves as an emergency escape system for the station crew. Russian cosmonauts are scheduled to be part of every space...