The International Space Station: Overview and current status

The International Space Station, as the largest international civil program in history, features unprecedented technical, managerial, and international complexity. Over the last two years, it has experienced major redesigns and incorporated new international expertise through the involvement of Russia. Because of these challenges, new systems of management, new international relationships, new types of partnerships, and new funding mechanisms had to be developed. However, the International Space Station Program is currently operating on schedule and within budget. A number of major milestones were accomplished this year. A tremendous amount of credit for the continuing success of this Program goes to those people of all nationalities who are involved in the Program and who are dedicated to meeting the challenges to come.