American experiences and perspectives - International cooperation on a permanently manned Space Station

In the late 1960s, NASA contemplated the establishment of a permanently manned Space Station along with the development of the Space Shuttle. After a temporary postponement of the Space Station project, it was finally decided to develop a Space Station and to have it operating by the early 1990s. This station is to serve in a variety of functions which are important for further advances with respect to the utilization of space. The Space Station could even serve as a staging base for trips to the moon and visits to Mars. An international approach is to be taken regarding the development and utilization of the Space Station, giving attention to a cooperation of the U.S. with Canada, Europe, and Japan. The implementation of such a cooperation requires that a number of problems are solved. Basic approaches suitable for achieving such a solution are discussed, taking into account the development of operational schemes which provide for efficient management, while permitting the exercise of diverse 'ownership' rights.