The loss of the Space Shuttle Columbia has underscored the historic
role of the United States and Russia as partners in space exploration,
who have persevered despite tragedy and adversity. During this
challenging time, our partnership has deepened and the International
Space Station (ISS) program remains strong. The extraordinary efforts
of our countries continue. The United States is committed to safely
returning the Space Shuttle to flight, and the Russian Federation is
committed to meeting the ISS crew transport and logistics resupply
requirements necessary to maintain our joint American astronaut and
Russian cosmonaut teams on board the ISS until the Space Shuttle
returns to flight.
We confirm our mutual aspiration to ensure the continued assembly and
viability of the International Space Station as a world-class research
facility, relying on our unprecedented experience of bilateral and
multilateral interaction in space. We reaffirm our commitment to the
mission of human space flight and are prepared to take energetic steps
to enhance our cooperation in the application of space technology and
techniques.
