The purpose was to keep the Russian rocket program alive and out of the hands of the Iranians, Koreans and other bad actors. It was also a PR effort where the w

The purpose was to keep the Russian rocket program alive and out of the hands of the Iranians, Koreans and other bad actors. It was also a PR effort where the west could strongly subsidize other countries for international harmony and goodwill. Given the current state of Russia and Iran, it failed. But ironically it is now doing good science. I’m all in favor of letting the Russians go their own way at this point.