Russia to spend $70bn to develop space industry

Russia to spend $70bn to develop space industry

December 27, 2012 – 15:17 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net – Russia will spend 2.1 trillion rubles (about $70
billion) under a state program for the development of the national
space industry in 2013-2020, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on
Thursday, Dec 27, according to RIA Novosti.

`The total volume of funding is quite significant: 2.1 trillion
rubles, including extrabudgetary sources,’ he said.

The program is designed to ensure the country retains its position as
a leading global space power, while also supporting its defense
capability, and boosting economic and social development, Medvedev
said.

`The program will enable our country to effectively participate in
forward-looking projects, such the ISS [International Space Station],
the study of the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies in the solar
system,’ he said.

Dmitry Paison, director for development at the Skolkovo space cluster,
told RIA Novosti that the program provides the framework for other
space-related programs.

`It comprises the Federal Space Program, the Federal Special Program
for the Development of the Glonass System, the program for the
development of space launch centers and the non-classified part of the
program for the technical modernization of the industry,’ he said.

From: A. Papazian