Russia Smartens Up In Space

and begins using Progress upper stages on orbit :

http://en.rian.ru/russia/20071226/94184642.html

"Russia's Progress M-61 cargo spacecraft, which was detached from the
ISS on December 22, will be used as a platform for technical
experiments, mission control said earlier.

"The spacecraft, which is at the end of its service life, will not be
buried at the 'spacecraft cemetery' in the Pacific, but will be sent on
an independent voyage," it said.

The cargo ship, like its predecessor, Progress M-60, will be used for
experimental purposes before being allowed to burn up in the Earth's
atmosphere."

It looks like our program to instill rationality in LEO spacecraft and
mission design is already bearing fruit. Why don't you just bring those
old progresses over to our station. We'll have a new year's eve party.