The IEEE Spectrum had a story about the final upgrades being done to the Russian Soyuz spacecraft to make it finally all digital. Our standing as a space nation will take a major blow when the Space Shuttle fleet is placed in retirement. The Russian Soyuz (over 40 years old) will pick up the slack with more missions to keep the International Space Station manned.
These final upgrades on the Soyuz will hopefully keep it operational while the U.S. determines the next launch vehicle to replace the Space Shuttle.