The conversation explored the collaboration involved in building the International Space Station, particularly projects such as ESA's Columbus module, ATV, and Cupola. Both guests agreed that the relationships that were built throughout the ISS program were critical to success. I think the thing in the end that mattered was that people developed trust and respect for one another’s roles and responsibilities, added Thirkettle. And if you’ve got trust and respect and you’ve got transparency, then I think you can pretty much solve anything that you ever wanted to try and do.