Russia hopes to launch reusable spacecraft in 2012

Posted on: Jan. 30th, 2006 || Source: en.rian.ru | E-mail Article | Print Article

MOSCOW. (RIA Novosti political commentator Andrei Kislyakov) -- It does not sound likely that Russia will employ a reusable spacecraft in 2012 - but it is. On Friday, February 3, the Russian Space Agency is due to announce the developer of a new Russian reusable spacecraft.

The shortlist includes Energia Rocket and Space Corporation, Khrunichev Space Center, and Molniya Science and Production Association. As the manned space flight capability has been put on top of the national agenda, the winner will have every incentive to deliver on its offers. Moreover, foreign players might join in if the project proves successful. Director General of the European Space Agency Jean Jacques Dordain has repeatedly made it clear that his organization was watching the project closely.

To move on with the times, we certainly need new designs of spacecraft that would bring people to the Moon (and help sustain a human colony there) and eventually to Mars.

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