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Other than Russia and the U.S., what contributions have been made by the other participating nations?

DAN HEDIN: Japan provides the Japanese Experiment Module (JEM), Exposed Facility, Experiment Logistics Module. The U.S. will receive 49% utilization of these capabilities. Japan is also providing a H-II Transfer vehicle for logistics.

Also, in exchange for U.S. launch of Japan's elements, they are building the following equipment for the U.S.: Centrifuge, Glovebox, and Centrifuge Accommodations Module.

ESA Provides Columbus Orbital Facility (COF). The U.S. will receive 49% utilization of this capability. ESA is also providing an Automated Transfer Vehicle (ATV) for logistics.

Also, in exchange for U.S. launch of ESA's COF element, they are building the following facilities for the U.S.: Nodes 2 & 3, Utilization Facilities, Cryo Freezer and Crew Freezer.

Canada Provides Station Mobile Servicing System and Robotic Arm.

Italy is providing three Multi-purpose logistics carriers through a bilateral agreement with the U.S.

Brazil will be providing an Unpressurized Logistics Carrier, an EXPRESS Pallet, a Window Research Rack Facility and a Technology Experiment Facility through a bilateral agreement with the U.S.

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What are the goals of this project?

DAN HEDIN: To create a permanent orbiting science institute in space capable of performing long-duration research in the materials and life sciences areas in a nearly gravity-free environment.

To conduct medical research in space.

To develop new materials and processes in collaboration with industry.

To accelerate breakthroughs in technology and engineering that will have immediate, practical applications for life on Earth -- and will create jobs and economic opportunities today and in the decades to come.

To maintain U.S. leadership in space and in global competitiveness, and to serve as a driving force for emerging technologies.

To forge new partnerships with the nations of the world.

To inspire our children, foster the next generation of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs, and satisfy humanity's ancient need to explore and achieve.

To invest for today and tomorrow. Every dollar spent on space programs returns at least $2 in direct and indirect benefits.

To sustain and strengthen the United States' strongest export sector - aerospace technology - which in 1995 exceeded $33 billion.

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Where did the idea for an international space station originate and why was it pursued? Was it a political decision?

DAN HEDIN: The Space Station which has eventually evolved to be known as the International Space Station was originally proposed by President Reagan in 1984. Much of the reason for the development of an International Space Station was to share development cost. It also promoted world peace through having countries cooperate on a program of significant peaceful purposes.

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Due to all the delays by Russia and its financial crisis, should America or other nations have been given the chance to take over Russia's role in the project? Has Russia been unable to fulfill its obligation as a partner in the space station?

DAN HEDIN: Russian capabilities are integral to the early success of the Program, and Russia can not be simply extricated. It would take time for any other country to deliver crew return, life support, reboost, and guidance and control capabilities that Russia is currently scheduled to provide, and without Russia the final design is certainly less robust.

The Russian aerospace industry has a commendable record of performing when given promised resources from the Russian Government. Economic, political and social conditions have not prevented them from continuing Mir operations or initiating ISS program, though there have been notable delays.

Russia is currently in the process of testing their keystone contribution, the Service Module, it is likely that they will be able to delivery it on or near the expected launch next summer. Should their other contributions not be delivered, the primary impact is on their own research capability.

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What happens if module 1 and 2 are sent up, and #3 isn't ready before the 400-day time limit?

DAN HEDIN: Zarya, the U.S. owned and Russian launched propulsion module has a certification of approximately 16 months on orbit. Flying Zarya beyond the flight certification does not necessarily mean it's avionics will fail on orbit. NASA is looking at extending this certification based on the experience of other equivalent flight components being used on Zarya. We are also considering the launch of a U.S. developed Interim Control Module (ICM) which could take over control from the Zarya. The ICM is nearing completion and could be launched in March 2000, when the current Zarya avionics certification expires, if need be.

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Are Russia's problems overshadowing or diminishing the contribution of other nations?

DAN HEDIN: Perhaps, but the other partner elements are not schedule to begin being launched into orbit until the year 2000. This naturally, puts the emphasis on Russian elements in the early years.

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Is it financially efficient? Is there another way to find out this information?

DAN HEDIN: For the average tax payer the cost of the International Space Station will cost about the same as a pizza and bottle of soda a year. During the mid sixties, when we were funding Apollo, and which most all of America recognizes as a National success, NASA was receiving over 4 cents out of ever tax dollar. Today, NASA is receiving about less than a penny of every tax dollar (.08 cents) and the Space Station funding is about a seventh of that.

The national objectives which led to the development of an International Space Station can not be accomplished on Earth. With the Station, we will jump from having a limited research capability in orbit, using the Shuttle, which operates for weeks a year to a full laboratory capable of conducting many varied research objectives continuously. It is very much worth the investment.

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Has the public shown support for this project? Has John Glenn's mission affected public support in any way?

DAN HEDIN: I understand that public opinion polls are very much in favor, though I haven't seen these first hand. I do know that the Clinton Administration has reaffirmed their strong support and our bipartisan support in Congress gets stronger each year.

The public interest in recent movies about space, the renewed infusion of space related toys and companies advertizing their connection with NASA space programs is evidence of public support. When I mention to a stranger that I work for NASA, they generally always reply in a very positive manner. For these reasons, I believe the Nation has a strong interest in NASA research. There are hundreds of commercial spin-offs from NASA research that are benefitting the American people today. The Space Station will continue to benefit America for years to come.