The breakup of the Soviet Union was thought to be the last nail on the Russian's space program's coffin. But news of its impending demise was greatly exaggerated. There's no denying Russia hit some major bumps right after the Iron Curtain fell, but its position as a major global space power is intact and thriving.

While its true that Russia took a back seat for the past 15 years, there are signs that the country is ready to grab the wheels and fend off challenges from China and other emerging space powers.

Take a look at Russia's uber-busy sked after the jump.