| 1. |
The Partners intend that the Space Station
shall evolve through the addition of capability and shall strive to
maximize the likelihood that such evolution will be effected through
contributions from all the Partners. To this end, it shall be the
object of each Partner to provide, where appropriate, the opportunity
to the other partners to cooperate in its proposals for additions
of evolutionary capability. The Space Station together with its additions
of evolutionary capability shall remain a civil station, and its operation
and utilization shall be for peaceful purposes, in accordance with
international law. |
| 2. |
This Agreement sets forth rights and obligations
concerning only the elements listed in the Annex, expect that this
Article and Article 16 shall apply to any additions of evolutionary
capability. This Agreement does not commit any Partner State to participate
in, or otherwise grant any Partner rights in, the addition of evolutionary
capability. |
| 3. |
Procedures for the coordination of the Partners'
respective evolution studies and for the review of specific proposals
for the addition of evolutionary capability are provided in the MOUs. |
| 4. |
Cooperation between or among Partners regarding
the sharing of addition (s) of evolutionary capability shall require,
following the coordination and review provided for in paragraph 3
above, either the amendment of this Agreement, or a separate agreement
to which the United States, to ensure that any addition is consistent
with the overall program, and any other Partner providing a Space
Station element or space transportation system on which there is an
operational or technical impact, shall be parties. |
| 5. |
Following the coordination and review provided
for in paragraph 3 above, the addition of evolutionary capability
by one Partner shall require prior notification of the other Partners,
and an agreement with the United States to ensure that any addition
is consistent with the overall program, and with any other Partner
providing a Space Station element or space transportation system on
which there is an operational or technical impact. |
| 6. |
A Partner which may be affected by the addition
of evolutionary capability under paragraph 4 or 5 above may request
consultations with the other Partners in accordance with Article 23. |
| 7. |
The addition of evolutionary capability
shall in no event modify the rights and obligations of any Partner
State under this Agreement and the MOUs concerning the elements listed
in the Annex, unless the affected partner States otherwise agrees. |
