(5) PROTOCOL OF DISCUSSION BETWEEN THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND THE RUSSIAN SPACE AGENCY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION(Signed on December 16 , 1993, Proclaimed on December 16 , 1993) The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (hereinafter referred to as "NASA") and the Russian Space Agency (hereinafter referred to as "RSA"), jointly referred to as the "Parties", have agreed to cooperate in the area of human space flight as reflected in the Implementing Agreement between NASA and RSA on Human Space Flight Cooperation, concluded on October 5, 1992, in Moscow. The Parties further agreed to continue discussions regarding the technical aspects for implementation of the Shuttle-Mir Program. This will require the preparation and signature of additional technical implementing agreements regarding this Program. NASA and RSA will each ensure that all hazards and risks have been minimized as much as is practical prior to flight. Through their joint implementation working groups, they will develop systems, operational procedures, training programs and other possible measures to maximize both safety and probability of success. Contingency plans will be jointly developed to cover procedures for investigation, consultation, exchange of information and possible actions of the parties in the event of any mishap during the conduct of the Shuttle-Mir Program. No part of the program will be conducted unless both Parties have agreed that it is safe to proceed. FOR THE NATIONAL AERONAUTICS AND SPACE ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA FOR THE RUSSIAN SPACE AGENCY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION