News Roscosmos News

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Russia and ESA Sign Intergovernmental Agreement Enclosure Protocol".

On Sept. 24, in the premises of Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Russia/ESA Intergovernmental Agreement Enclosure Protocol has been signed. The protocol covers ESA-Moscow Office exemption from VAT.
The Protocol is to facilitate continuation and evolution of fruitful cooperation between Roscosmos and ESA.

---------- Post added 26th Sep 2010 at 10:57 PM ---------- Previous post was 25th Sep 2010 at 10:59 PM ----------

Roscosmos PAO: "Russian Scientists to Develop Arctica Space System".

Russian scientists discussed the necessity to enhance Arctic research systems through unified standardization and monitoring systems, as well as through commissioning of the Arctica space system, during the International Arctic Forum, Infox.ru informs.
The reason for developing the Arctica system lies in the fact that no satellite could see the lands and the ocean higher than the 60-deg latitude. But there was no need to watch this territory earlier, since the people working in polar regions used their exclusive comms.
The system will enhance climate change monitoring opportunities, Alexander Bedritsky, Climate Change Adviser for the Russian President, stated during the Forum.

According to him, Arctica will be also used to search for carbon dioxide deposits in the Arctic seas.

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Roscosmos PAO: "KBKhAs Engines to be Installed on Advanced Space Rockets".

Russia has been a world leader in the number of space launched for many years already. Chemical Automatics Design Bureau (KBKhA), which produces liquid-propellant rocket engines, contributes a lot into the Russian space industry.
On the eve of the Machine Builder Day in Russia, the experts of the company have almost completed validation and verification of the RD-0124 engine to be used on Soyuz-2-1b carrier. Governmental acceptance of the engine is the next step, KP informs.
RD-0124 is a new Russian engine with trust and payload lifting capacities better than for any other oxygen-kerosene engine in the world. Due to this feature, Soyuz-2-1b capacity increased by 1t. The third launch of the Soyuz with RD-0124 third stage was conducted in mid 2009. The future of the engine is rather optimistic in the view of upcoming Soyuz launches from French Guiana.
KBKhA also develops RD-0124А for the new family of launchers Angara designed by Khrunichev Space Center. The validation of this engines is also coming close to a significant stage – the first stage firing tests are to be carried out soon.
One more example of the company’s smart approach is development of RD-0146 engine which uses ecologically clean hydrogen as a propellant component. Draft design of the engine has been approved by the Russian Federal Space Agency as an engine for advanced launcher to fly from new Russian space port Vostochny.
In addition, being the only designer of a nuclear rocket engine can contribute into a Mars mission.

 

[tblaxland]

The reason for developing the Arctica system lies in the fact that no satellite could see the lands and the ocean higher than the 60-deg latitude. But there was no need to watch this territory earlier, since the people working in polar regions used their exclusive comms.

Presumably they will be able to sell comms to those of use with significant Antarctic research interests

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Roscosmos to Hold More than 10 Meetings with the Other Space Agencies during IAC-2010".

More than 10 meetings with the leading space agencies are in Roscosmos' schedule for the 61st International Astronautical Congress (IAC) to be held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 27 September to 1 October 2010, under the theme: “Space for human benefit and exploration”, Head of Russian Federal Space Agency Anatoly Perminov said questioned by news media during the IAC opening ceremony this morning.

"We have held several meetings on Sunday, including the meetings with ESA’s DG Jean Jaques Dordain, and ISRO. We also met with Charles Bolden, NASA Administrator. We are to have more negotiations within next days, totally more than 10 meetings are planned", Roscosmos Head said.
Delegation of the Federal Space Agency arrived at Prague yesterday to take part in IAC-2010. The IAC’s opening ceremony took place this morning, with plenary meetings and sessions to follow in the afternoon.
"International Astronautical Congress is an important event. Representatives of space community, heads of the leading space agencies, all science world which deals with space exploration, get together here. Students are also invited to participate in seminars and workshops in order to discuss scientific space problems", Perminov said.
More than 2500 delegates attend the Congress this year. 1706 presentations are to be made during 162 sessions.
"IAC sessions cover all space topics, from human space missions to satellite design and development. First, statuses of space industry in different countries are discussed; then problems and prospective goals of space exploration are negotiated", Roscosmos Head explained.
This approach is also to be followed during the Plenary of the Space Agency Heads, to take place at 1:30 p.m. today.
"As usual, heads of the leading space agencies will report about the status, thus giving the science world the opportunity to see the future goals of space exploration business", Perminov said.
He also added that Roscosmos discuss celebrations devoted to the 50th anniversary of Yury Gagarin’s space mission with the world space agencies.
"We’ve had a serious discussion yesterday. There is a good proposal concerning celebration of Gagarin’s mission jubilee. But I would prefer not to disclose it now, as the final decision has not been made so far. I do support the proposal, just with minor changes. If our partners agree, we would fulful it. This is rather cheap, but seems to be impressive…" Roscosmos Head concluded.

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Roscosmos PAO: "IAC-2010: Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov Makes Presentation at the Heads of the Agency Plenary".

Heads of the Agency Plenary took place today at 61st International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Prague.
Prior to the speech to be made by Roscosmos Head, moderator of the plenary reminded about the problem occured during Soyuz TMA-18 departure from the ISS, and congratulated Russian party on successful return of the crew.
“We had to close the issue quickly, as we were hurrying to get to the Congress”, Anatoly Nikolaevich joked, causing smiles and applauses of the audience.

Presentation by Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov
at the Heads of the Agency Plenary
IAC-2010, Sept. 27
Prague​

“Roscosmos actively uses space technologies for innovative economical evolution.
With the budget much lower than the NASA’s one, we have to work day and night to achieve the objectives we have.
We keep high launch intensiveness of Russian rocket carriers. Since last October, we have made 29 launches, i.e. 41% of the number of launches in the world.
We pay much attention to enhancing Russian space communication systems, in particular, second-generation spacecraft of low-orbit communication system Gonets.
This year we plan to provide global coverage by Russian navigation system GLONASS. This means 24 operational spacecraft in orbit, with 3-4 in redundancy.
Flight tests of GSO weather satellite Electro-L will begin in late 2010, and we pay significant attention to development of the scientific spacecraft.
We have completed design and search activities, and begin construction of the first launch pad in the Far East of our country.
Concerning international cooperation, it’s rather intensive.
But the main, critical, thing is completion of the Soyuz launch pad in French Guiana.
The other important project is the International Space Station. Here, I would like to thank for the support… It’s really so, encouragement of the heads of the agencies was obvious in our hour of need.
With respect to advanced projects, we started reviewing designs of heavy-lft and super-heavy-lift launchers, on the available technological grounds, and development of advanced technologies for the prospective rocket carriers.
However we can’t stack on this stage, as the existing rocket engines are not capable of supporting fast interplanetary missions. Thus, we have initiated experimental and design activities to develop a new propulsion with nuclear energy source. The system can be used for interplanetary flights, missions to remote planets, or as an inter-orbital tug”.

---------- Post added 28th Sep 2010 at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was 27th Sep 2010 at 09:50 PM ----------

RIA Novosti: "GLONASS to provide global coverage this year - top official".

---------- Post added at 10:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:03 AM ----------

Roscosmos PAO: "IAC-2010: Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov Makes Presentation at the Heads of the Agency Plenary".

Heads of the Agency Plenary took place today at 61st International Astronautical Congress (IAC) in Prague.
Prior to the speech to be made by Roscosmos Head, moderator of the plenary reminded about the problem occured during Soyuz TMA-18 departure from the ISS, and congratulated Russian party on successful return of the crew.
“We had to close the issue quickly, as we were hurrying to get to the Congress”, Anatoly Nikolaevich joked, causing smiles and applauses of the audience.

Presentation by Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov
at the Heads of the Agency Plenary
IAC-2010, Sept. 27
Prague​

“Roscosmos actively uses space technologies for innovative economical evolution.
With the budget much lower than the NASA’s one, we have to work day and night to achieve the objectives we have.
We keep high launch intensiveness of Russian rocket carriers. Since last October, we have made 29 launches, i.e. 41% of the number of launches in the world.
We pay much attention to enhancing Russian space communication systems, in particular, second-generation spacecraft of low-orbit communication system Gonets.
This year we plan to provide global coverage by Russian navigation system GLONASS. This means 24 operational spacecraft in orbit, with 3-4 in redundancy.
Flight tests of GSO weather satellite Electro-L will begin in late 2010, and we pay significant attention to development of the scientific spacecraft.
We have completed design and search activities, and begin construction of the first launch pad in the Far East of our country.
Concerning international cooperation, it’s rather intensive.
But the main, critical, thing is completion of the Soyuz launch pad in French Guiana.
The other important project is the International Space Station. Here, I would like to thank for the support… It’s really so, encouragement of the heads of the agencies was obvious in our hour of need.
With respect to advanced projects, we started reviewing designs of heavy-lft and super-heavy-lift launchers, on the available technological grounds, and development of advanced technologies for the prospective rocket carriers.
However we can’t stack on this stage, as the existing rocket engines are not capable of supporting fast interplanetary missions. Thus, we have initiated experimental and design activities to develop a new propulsion with nuclear energy source. The system can be used for interplanetary flights, missions to remote planets, or as an inter-orbital tug”.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Asteroid Protection Projects Shall Be Carried Out on International Level- Roscosmos Head".

Roscosmos initiates an international asteroid protection project, Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency told news media during International Astronautical Congress in Prague, right after the meeting of the International Public Committee on MAKSM project (international global natural and industrial emergency aerospace monitoring system).
"This project /development of anti-asteroid protection/ - is rather expensive. Asteroids threat to the mankind, so the project shall get international status", Perminov said. "We have already negotiated it with ESA and European Union, however these were just talks".
Answering the question, why the anti-asteroid protection initiative does not cause any interest from the partner agencies, might be lack of money or will, Roscosmos Head said that it could be for any of these reasons.
Perminov also mentioned that the threat of the Apophys asteroid is obviously not so major, according to the recent estimates, and the leading space agencies are not paying much attention to the problem anymore.
"Apophys itself is not so hazardous. But it may be used to test and validate asteroid protection systems", Roscosmos Head said.
According to him, Roscosmos and Russian Academy of Sciences have established a group which deals with the issue. Several options are evaluated by the group.
«There are several options: a spacecraft to land on the asteroid to change its trajectory with the assistance of its propulsion; then, small systems could be accommodated on the surface of a space body to adjust its trajectory with the help of solar power; or an asteroid could be destroyed by an existing type of weapon», Roscosmos Head explained.
He added that the last option was not “purely space one. It can be applied in case of an emergency».
Perminov stated also that the most probable is to send a probe to an asteroid, or to land it on the celestial body.
"In any case, we believe it’s reasonable to execute the project not by efforts of a single country, but on international level", Roscosmos Head concluded.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Russian Space Initiatives Get a Lot of Attention at IAC-2010".

Russian space initiatives get a lot of attention at the International Astronautical Congress which is held in Prague this week, ITAR-TASS informs.
“The USSR and the Russian Federation play a leading role in exploration of the Universe with their national spacecraft. Russia is a deserved leader in construction of the space stations to be discussed at the Forum”, Vladimir Remek, first Czech cosmonaut, Hero of the USSR, said.
IAC 2010 is held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 27 September to 1 October 2010 under the theme: “Space for human benefit and exploration”.
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is pleased to announce that the 2010 Allan D. Emil Memorial Award has been awarded.
The selection was made by the IAF Honours and Awards Committee, chaired by Sir Martin Sweeting (Surrey Satellite Technology Limited). Nominated by the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH), Academician Professor Dr Anfimov.
On the last day of the Congress, at the Closing Ceremony of the 61st International Astronautical Congress, the 2010 Allan D. Emil Memorial Award is to be presented to Russian Prof. Dr Nikolay A. Anfimov who has made an outstanding contribution to space science and technology not only within his native Russia but also more importantly in the sustained personal promotion of international collaboration.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Vostochny Space Port: Genesis, Concept and Project Development (presentation by Roscosmos Deputy Head Sergey Saveliev at IAC-2010)".

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Aviation Week: "Russia Will Test New Launcher At Baikonur".

---------- Post added 1st Oct 2010 at 09:23 PM ---------- Previous post was 30th Sep 2010 at 11:40 PM ----------

RIA Novosti: "Russia successfully sends Kosmos satellite into orbit".

RIA Novosti: "New Glonass-K satellite to be launched in December".

---------- Post added at 09:58 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:23 PM ----------

Roscosmos PAO: "Russian Space Initiatives Get a Lot of Attention at IAC-2010".

Russian space initiatives get a lot of attention at the International Astronautical Congress which is held in Prague this week, ITAR-TASS informs.
"The USSR and the Russian Federation play a leading role in exploration of the Universe with their national spacecraft. Russia is a deserved leader in construction of the space stations to be discussed at the Forum", Vladimir Remek, first Czech cosmonaut, Hero of the USSR, said.
IAC 2010 is held in Prague, Czech Republic, from 27 September to 1 October 2010 under the theme: "Space for human benefit and exploration".
The International Astronautical Federation (IAF) is pleased to announce that the 2010 Allan D. Emil Memorial Award has been awarded.
The selection was made by the IAF Honours and Awards Committee, chaired by Sir Martin Sweeting (Surrey Satellite Technology Limited). Nominated by the Central Research Institute of Machine Building (TSNIIMASH), Academician Professor Dr Anfimov.
On the last day of the Congress, at the Closing Ceremony of the 61st International Astronautical Congress, the 2010 Allan D. Emil Memorial Award is to be presented to Russian Prof. Dr Nikolay A. Anfimov who has made an outstanding contribution to space science and technology not only within his native Russia but also more importantly in the sustained personal promotion of international collaboration.

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Roscosmos PAO: "New Advanced Propulsion Systems to Make Mission to Mars in 2-3 Months Feasible – Anatoly Perminov".

The attempts to improve parameters of the existing rocket propulsion systems are unreasonable, Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov stated, questioned by news media during the International Astronautical Congress in Prague..
"No matter, how many experts in the world, and no matter how much they work, they would provide maximum improvement of any existing propulsion which is measured in a fraction of percent only. The most has been made of the available propulsions – liquid or solid-propellant. Any attempt to improve the thrust or momentum is hopeless", the Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency said.
On the other hand, he believes, nuclear propulsion is able to improve these parameters significantly:
"To make an example of a mission to Mars. With the current propulsion it takes 1.5-2 years, with the nuclear one it would be 2-4 months".
According to Perminov, an alternative option may appear in the future, but the current technologies do not provide it.
He added that nuclear propulsion systems are considered for large-scale human missions, not for small spacecraft which could use other type of propulsion – ionic engines or solar wind energy.
Roscosmos Head reminded that heavy and super-heavy-lift launchers were being developed in Russia. These are to fly from new space port Vostochny.
"Development and evolution of the new space port in the Far East imply several milestones. The first one covers development of the Rus-M rocket to be used to launch spacecraft, cargo supply and possibly human space vehicles. This milestone to last from 2015 to 2020, is to include launches as well", Perminov explained.
He added the 50-60-t launcher of heavy class would appear in 2020s, and the superheavy (150t)- in around 2030.
Perminov said that the new launchers might be tested in flight from Baikonur first.
"Baikonur is located at the territory of Kazakhstan, which is under renting by Russia till 2050. I am sure that we will continue using this port for Soyuz, Zenith, Proton launches until this date. We will continue using this systems, and building the new space port in parallel", Roscosmos Head stated.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Meeting of the International Space Debris Committee Took Place at IAC-2010".

An annual meeting of the International Space Debris Committee took place at the International Astronautical Congress-2010 in Prague.
Russia is represented in the Committee by Yury Makarov, Head of Roscosmos Division.
"The International Committee which meets annually comprises 4 working groups. Each group also hold their meetings to discuss different relevant topics, including debris monitoring, avoidance, prediction of hazardous situations, etc. Then, the groups report to the Control Board of the Committee", Makarov explains.
According to him, the agenda of the meeting covers 15 topics, including review of several documents.
"The Committee is established to achieve consolidated efforts to reduce industrial space debris threat. Full agreement is the main principle of the Committee. This means- no voting, any decision is made with full consent of each member. After that, the decision is to be implemented by the countries involved in the Committee", Roscosmos representative said.
He added that some important issues had been discussed, including results of the deorbiting tests for the third stage of Russian rocket Vostok.
The meeting of the International Space Debris Committee was attended by representatives of Russia, the USA, UK, Italy, France, China, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and countries of the European Space Agencies.
"The more vehicles is launched by a country, the more debris it puts into orbit. Still, you have to keep in mind that that not only launchers provide debris, but the spacecraft as well. The orbital debris belong not only to Russia and US; China’s portion is currently growing", Makarov noted.
He stated that any country which starts active space exploration, becomes a potential space debris supplier.
"Unfortunately, more debris appeared in LEO within last year", Roscosmos representative concluded.

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Roscosmos PAO: "The Longest Firing Test of Oxygen-Liquid Gas Engine Took Place at NITS RKP".

Life-time firing test of the С5.86.1000-0 №2 demo engine with thrust of 7,5 tf (developed by Khimmash Design Bureau) took place at NITS RKP, Peresvet. This was the longest firing test of an engine of this type which uses oxygen and liquid natural gas as propellant components.
The test was successful, displaying the longest operational time for an engine of this size at single triggering- 1160s.
The test confirmed capabilities of engines with close-loop layout featured by after-burning of the recovery generator gas (propellant pair – oxygen and liquid natural gas), as well as the capabilities of the test facility.
The work was done under the contract the Keldysh Center.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

RIA Novosti: "Russia's Rokot carrier rockets to launch two ESA satellites".

 

[SiberianTiger]

http://gazeta.ru/news/business/2010/10/04/n_1555551.shtml

— 04.10.2010 17:51 —​

Energomash company's shareholders make RKK Energia the administration company

Today the shareholders of NPO Energomash have eliminated the post of Managing Director of the company and cancelled the contract with the acting head of the company Dmitry Pakhomov, and also delivered management role to RKK Energia, told an anonymous source from Space industry.

NPO Energomash is a developer and producer of the most liquid fuel rocket engines used on Russian space launchers.

http://marker.ru/news/2165

NPO Energomash surrendered to RKK Energia in defiance of decision of the court

Today's shareholders meeting of NPO Energomash have changed the company's management. Managing Director Dmitry Pakhomov was fired and left his cabinet after the meeting's end. The controlling structure of JSC NPO Energomash the shareholders appointed JSC "Rocket and Space Corporation Energia". This decision is likely to be sued against in the court. Two days ago Arbitration Court of Moscow Territory denied Energomash shereholders voting on this subject (by application of Investnment Company "Region", who is a primary minority shareholder of Energomash, owing 14,64% of the company's shares). However, the shareholder meeting ignored the decision of the court and voted on the subject anyway. Experts say that this voting's outcome can be voided according to the law. Likewise, any decisions of the new Director of Energomash company can be deemed void.

To comment a little on this, it's a new policy of Roscomos to perform several huge mergers in the nearest time over the industries under its direct administrative control to form six enlarged holdings each of which is to be devoted to a particular branch of space industry, and space activity support business. An expected effect from this is eliminating competition between various enterprises with similar production profile, probably reducing headcount and shortening the management chains.

The next most rumored nom-nom event is knocking on the doors of Khrunichev Space Centre, which is also to be be devoured by Energia company.

En each of these cases, the first step is accrual of the controlling interest by the State. As it happened in case of Energomash, a mostly State owned enterprise has acquired another mostly State owned enterprise (which is actually a form of crawling nationalization, taking nation-wide scale). However, in this case it seems like "some petty Court" might get in the way. Let's see how it works out...

 

[Wishbone]

There is a slight problem with that policy... No second-source... SPOFs (single points of failure) all around...

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Spaceport of the 21st century to be built in Russian Far East.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Roscosmos and CNES Sign Agreement on Development of Small Satellite by Russian and French Students".

Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov held a meeting today with CNES President Yannick d'Escatha.
"In general, we are satisfied with our joint work in all branches of space exploration", Mr. Perminov said addressing to Mr. d'Escatha.
In the course of negotiations, Heads of Russian and French space agencies confirmed their mutual interest in evolving cooperation between the young scientists of their countries.
At the end of the meeting the Heads signed an agreement between Roscosmos and CNES on cooperation under the small scientific satellite development project between Russian and French students.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Glonass-K Meets all Modern Requirements".

New-generation spacecraft Glonass-K is compliant with all modern requirements, Russian Space Forces Commander Oleg Ostapenko told RIA Novosti.
The spacecraft is to be launched from Plesetsk space port aboard Soyuz-2 rocket in December this year.
The Commander emphasized that Glonass-K was featured by prolonged life time of 7 years. The spacecraft displays parameters similar to those for the other spacecraft of the same type.
Ostapenko also reminded that three Glonass-Ms are to be launched by Proton rocket from Baikonur before the end of 2010.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Russia Leads in the Number of Launches in 2010".

Russia launched 22 LVs this year, thus confirming its first place in the world; 16 of them made from Baikonur, 5 – from Plesetsk, and one from Dombarovsk Rocket Division.
The USA launched 11 LVs this year, including 9 from Cape Canaveral and Wandenberg Air Force field.

Then goes China with 10 rockets flown.

 

[Wishbone]

Nuclear propulsion in space: interview with A.S.Koroteev

http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=182 (in Russian)

Highlights:

* hybrid two-contour scheme, a plasma generator driven by reactor-produced electricity yields specific impulse 20 times higher than chemical propulsion
* inner contour of the reactor with circulating working agent at 1500 C
* development started in 2010
* plans to complete initial design by 2012
* prototype working by 2015
* cargo module ready for flight in 2018

EDIT: for those who don't know, A.S.Koroteev is the long-time head of the Keldysh Research Center, aka NII-1 aka Rocket NII aka NIITP...

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Russia to Make Record Number of Space Launches in 2010".

Regardless of the incident with the Soyuz TMA-20 spacecraft, which was damaged while being transported by train to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Russia will fulfill all 12 projected space flights by the end of the year.
In 2010, Russia will fulfill 34 space launches, which is more than in 2009, when 32 rockets blasted to space from Baikonur Cosmodrome and the northern cosmodrome in Plesetsk. To date, 42 launches have been made worldwide this year, of which 22 were Russian.
Last year’s 32 launches were preceded by 27 in 2008 and 26 in 2007.
The next launch will be on October 8 from Baikonur, where the vast Kazakh steppes are about to witness the latest achievements of the space industry roaring off into the heavens.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Roscosmos and NASA to Discuss Space Cooperation during Meeting in November".

Space Cooperation Working Group will meet in Washington in the framework of the Russian-US President Commission in Nov. 2010, Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov told news media a Baikonur.
According to him, the agenda will cover a lot of topics, including additional shuttle mission in summer 2011.

"Not too much money is needed for NASA to conduct this launch… US space agency is a rich organization, compare to Roscosmos, they will find half a billion dollars easily, so the launch will take place in June-July timeframe, I believe", Perminov said.
Officially, there are only two shuttles to fly to the International Space Station in the program. Last week US Congress approved NASA budget which implies additional shuttle flight.
Once shuttles stop flying, only Russian Soyuzes will support human space mission of the ISS.
Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency explained that the situation with the launch schedule would be clarified in November.
"In November, we will have an update. Currently, our industry maintains launches of 5 Progresses and 4 Soyuzes per year, until 2013. On the whole, this will last till 2015, when US COTS program shall be initiated with commercial cargo and crew transportation services for the ISS. Concerning our prospective cooperation, we are to consider it together with our US colleagues", Perminov concluded.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Indian Cosmonauts will not Fly in Russian Soyuz".

Head of Roscosmos Human Spaceflight Directorate Alexey Krasnov told news media at Baikonur that India had given up their idea about flying two cosmonauts of this country in Russian Soyuz.
ISRO considered this approach as an intermediate step in the national human spaceflight program aimed at launching their cosmonauts in an Indian rocket in 2015.
Krasnov clarified that the Indians had been interested in a mission without docking to the International Space Station.
On the other hand, Krasnov noted, India is eager to maintain space cooperation with Russia, including human space missions, RIA Novosti informs.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Russian Scientists to Orbit Nano-Satellite Constellation in the Next Two Years".

A constellation of nano-satellites is to be launched by Russian scientists in the coming two years, GLONASS General Designer Yury Urlichich told news media, Prime-TASS reports.
According to Urlichich, evolution of space micro-technology began 5 years ago, when Russia launched its first nano-satellite.
“We are going to promote this branch”, he stated, adding that advanced samples of micro-spacecraft are available, though Russia fall behind in this business.
The only national micro-satellite was launched manually from the ISS by cosmonauts Salidzhan Sharipov. It was a 5-kg cylinder satellite developed by Space Instrumentation Institute. It’s orbital life lasted for 2.5 months, with the purpose to test Kospas-Sarsat radio buoy.
The second generation of national micro-satellites will use solar array power supplies in order to prolong their orbital life.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Evolution of Glonass-K".

Experts of Reshetnev Informational Satellite Systems company visited 4 research institutes in order to conduct draft design review for Glonass-K of the second series.
The review covered reports by ISS – chief designer of the spacecraft. Eventually, TSNIIMASh and other institutes provided their conclusions about Glonass-K draft design, mentioning high-quality performance of ISS personnel.
Compare to the 1st-stage Glonass-K, the 2nd-stage spacecraft is featured by three new signals with coding distribution- two for special users in L and L2 frequency ranges, and one open signal in L1. In addition, the spacecraft is to accomplish several other goals, including response to the increased demands to GLONASS output accuracy. 2-nd-stage Glonass-K constellation will help reducing noise, avoiding problems with uneven relief, etc.
Draft design acceptance will be followed by development of design documents and work sites in order to start production of the 2-nd-stage Glonass-K. The maiden launch of the spacecraft is scheduled under the Global Navigation System program of 2012-2020, which is currently under work.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Roscosmos Head to Hold Negotiations on Space Cooperation with Ukraine".

Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency arrived in Ukraine to discuss space cooperation issues with Ukrainian colleagues, RBC informs.
Roscosmos Head visited National Spacecraft Control and Test Center in Evpatoria, Crimea, which is planned to be used for control of the Phobos-Grunt space station slated for launch to Martian moon in 2011.
Anatoly Perminov will also hold negotiations with Director of Ukrainian National Space Agency Yury Alekseev. The agenda covers the topics to be discussed further on during the Russian-Ukrainian Intergovernmental Committee on economical evolution.
This includes cooperation in utilization of the GLONASS navigation system, under the agreeemtn signed by the space agencies in May 2010.

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Roscosmos PAO: "New Director of Energomash R&D".

Meeting of the stock holders of Oct. 4 in Glushko Energomash research and development company decided to withdraw authorities of its director, and to choose a managing company – RSC-Energia.
Energia appointed new CEO in Energomash. The position is occupied by Vladimir Solntsev, former vice-president of VTB-Bank, Energomash PAO informs.

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Roscosmos PAO: "The Number of Cosmonaut Candidates will Increase".

On Oct. 12, Interagency Board chaired by Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov qualified Oleg Artemiev as test cosmonaut of RSC-Energia.
The Board also recommended to appoint Alexey Khomenchuk (GCTC), Denis Matveev (GCTC), Sergey Prokopiev (Aviation Corps) as cosmonaut candidates, and ordered GCTC to arrange their spaceflight training as test cosmonauts.
RSC-Energia’s Sviatoslav Morozov and Ivan Vagner are also planned to go through the training as cosmonaut candidates.

GCTC Chief Sergey Krikalev offered to have an open contest to select new cosmonauts. He stated that not only GCTC and Energia shall provide their cosmonaut candidates, but also other companies of the industry, as well as science cities.

Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov reminded about the history, when the first cosmonauts had been selected from thousands of candidates from all Russia. “There are many worthy candidates in our country, but there are given no chance to become cosmonauts”, Roscosmos Head stated.

The Board decided to set up a sequence in the responsible authorities which is to take into account the remarks by Roscosmos Head, including development of the unified Cosmonaut Corps under GCTC.

 

[Wishbone]

Financiers running Khimki... I can almost hear Glushko spinning in his grave...

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Presidents of Russia and Venezuela Discussed Space Cooperation Issues".

The Presidents of Russia and Venezuela, Dmitry Medvedev and Hugo Chavez, said on Friday bilateral ties are strengthening.

"We are moving on to new agreements on a wide range of projects," Medvedev said at the two leaders' talks in Moscow. "We have a strategic partnership, we are close friends."

Chavez also confirmed Venezuela's ties with Russia have reached a strategic level.

A series of bilateral agreements were signed after their talks, which covered a range of issues, including space cooperation.

"We hope that infrastructure projects will be developed," Medvedev said at a news conference after the talks. "We talked about high technology and today for the first time ever we touched upon cooperation in the space sphere."

He said that the two states should also develop bilateral trade, as there was still "room for improvement."

"Our trade turnover is not as large as we would like it to be. The turnover is not quite balanced, and there are opportunities to sell goods from Russia to Venezuela and vice versa," the Russian president said.

He said Russia could sell equipment and machinery to Venezuela, and import agricultural products.

Medvedev also expressed Russia's readiness to take part in various Latin American regional organizations and forums to discuss "problems which require our joint approach," such as terrorism, transnational crime, drug trafficking, ecological problems, as well as issues of sustainable development and economic aid.

He said Venezuela acted "like a real friend" when it followed Russia in recognizing the former Georgian republics of South Ossetia and Abkhazia after Chavez's last visit to Russia in September 2009.

Chavez last visited Russia in September 2009 after announcing the recognition of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.

He arrived in Moscow on Thursday as part of an international tour that also includes Belarus, Ukraine and Iran.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Roscosmos Head Visited Evpatoria to Participate in the Meeting of the Russian-Ukrainian Space Subcommittee".

On Oct. 12- 14, delegation of the Russian Federal Space Agency visited Ukrainian National Spacecraft Control and Test Center, Evpatoria, Crimea. The delegation was led by Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov.
Russian experts got familiar with the capabilities of the Center which may be applied in the international space projects, including those implemented under the Russian Federal Space Program. Roscosmos Head evaluated the hardware and personnel training level of the Center highly.
On Oct. 13, Anatoly Perminov and his Ukrainian colleague Yury Alexeev charied the 8th meeting of the Russian-Ukrainian Space Subcommittee under Russian-Ukrainian Economic Cooperation Intergovernmental Board.
Russian and Ukrainian space agencies reviewed the previous actions, discussed untied coordinate and timing on the basis of GLONASS, joint space experiments on-board the ISS, remote sensing, etc.
The conclusions of the meeting were reflected in the Protocol, which defines next steps in cooperation development in the branches enlisted above.
The parties also discussed joint event devoted to the 50th anniversary of Gagarin’s space mission, PAO of the Ukrainian space agency informs.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Relay Satellites Produced by Reshetnev ISS to Strengthen Russian Positions in Space".

Integration of Loutch-5A spacecraft is ongoing at Informational Satellite Systems company of Zheleznogorsk, Vesti.ru reports. This unique relay satellite will strengthen positions of Russia in space.
Loutch-5A will be featured by unique technologies, with the ever-best signal acquisition capability. The spacecraft is fully produced by ISS with national components– the company used to purchase off-the-shelf components before. Solar arrays are super-powerful, also produced in Russia.
The satellite will be injected into geo-polar orbit to see all low-orbiting satellites which are not always available for the Mission Control Centers. The relay satellite will be capable of transmitting data from any other spacecraft. It will be effective for agriculture, military, weather forecast and other services, including President’s communication links, as well as communication with the International Space Station.
Loutch-5A is slated for launch in mid 2011. It’s follower, Loutch-5B, is to fly in late 2011. The most powerful spacecraft in the system, Loutch-4, is to be orbited in 2013.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Developers of Chinese Lunar Rover will Use Russian Heritage – Lavochkin R&D".

Developers of Chinese lunar rover will use international and Russian heritage, Victor Khartov, Lavochkin R&D DG, stated questioned by ITAR-TASS.
Khartov supposes that Chinese rover designers use the data available in the Internet and other opened sources. Lunar rovers which are today under development “all look similar”, he adds, noting that it would be hard to link design of the Chinese rover with Soviet space program, as “we don’t know any details about the Chinese design”.
Lavochnin D&D has not signed any agreement on lunar program with Chinese colleagues so far, though Russian and Chinese experts meet regularly in the framework of working group “Exploration of the Moon and distance space”.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Positioning Precisions of GLONASS and GPS are Similar – Test Result".

Recently, Russia stated that GLONASS’ precision was close to the GPS’ one. Marker news paper decided to verify if it’s true. Experts entered the streets of Moscow in order to compare positioning accuracy of the Russian and US navigation systems. The results are visible: GLONASS precision has almost caught up with GPS.

The course of the test implied verification of the GLONASS monitoring services wrt GPS’ ones. The objective was to position transport vehicles and to define their speed. Three GPS-receivers and three GLONAS-compatible terminals were involved in the testing, each with an individual antenna, all installed in a single car.
The test equipment of similar quality class had the same production date, thus providing the opportunity to minimize the errors and to mitigate individual inaccuracies for each device.
The objective was very simple: motion along the predefined path, and comparison of the positioning stability and speed definition accuracy. The goal was to compare operations of the two systems in open territory, in the urban streets with buildings, and under high electromagnetic radiation.

In general, both systems displayed positive results. The routes based on their data coincided; positioning accuracy was high, the number of errors was negligible.
Behavior of both systems was assured in the open territory, as well as in the street surrounded by buildings.
However in a narrow ‘canyon’ in the down town, GPS inaccuracy reached the value of more than 15m, thus confirming that GLONASS precision is higher in the city center with a lot of buildings, as GLONASS was absolutely accurate at this time.
To conclude, GLONASS today can provide anti-hijacking and application monitoring solutions, comparable with GPS. Though Russian Navigation System today has a bit more random errors than GPS, it shows satisfactorily results. Average error value of the systems is almost on the same level, thus justifying great prospective for GLONASS which is still enlarged.
According to Sergey Revnivykh, TSIIMASH Deputy Director and Roscosmos’ GLONASS curator, states that GLONASS positioning accuracy will improve in the nearest future due to deployment of the orbital constellation and its enhancement by new-generation GLONASS-K satellites. The precision can reach 70-80 cm. According to him, proposals for the new Federal Special Program imply some measures aimed at improving GLONASS signal quality, Marker informs.

---------- Post added 22nd Oct 2010 at 10:52 PM ---------- Previous post was 21st Oct 2010 at 11:12 PM ----------

RIA Novosti: "Russia to launch 8 Glonass navigation satellites in 2011-2013".

---------- Post added 23rd Oct 2010 at 09:25 PM ---------- Previous post was 22nd Oct 2010 at 10:52 PM ----------

Roscosmos PAO: "October 24 – Space Victims".

Tragedy of October 24, 1960, still remains the most horrifying accident ever to take place on a launch pad.
Baikonur began as a test site for rockets of a different nature; proto-ICBMs and other types of missiles.
In 1960, after Sputnik but before Gagarin’s date with destiny, during the fall testing of the R-16 ICBM, slow progress and lack of results led the Strategic Rocket Forces Marshal to personally oversee the missile’s construction and testing. Mitrofan Ivanovich Nedelin, along with lending his name to the disaster that happened under his command, was also one of the first of the victims. Marshal Nedelin was already a Hero of the Soviet Union, thanks to service in World War II.
On October 24, progress continued apace, and to push the men at Baikonur, Nedelin took a personal hand in the matter. According to the tale told by the few survivors, he actually set up a chair close by the rocket, to better oversee the action.
Let it be known that rocket science is just like it sounds - rocket science. There are a million things that can go wrong, and it just so happens that a switch was switched, forgotten, and then switched back at just the worst tragic moment. The switch initiated the second stage of the rocket, which instantly ignited the primary stage as well.
Total dead – 126, according to Academician Boris Chertock, though again, there are reports ranging from 60 to 150. Those closest to the rocket were more or less vaporized, and many of the victims only later succumbed to their burns. In addition, the rocket fuel was a type referred to as “Devil’s Venom,” so that those who managed to escape the inferno by jumping into blast wells were found asphyxiated by the noxious fumes.
Mystically, in three years, on October 24, 1963, another tragedy at Baikonur took lives of 7 people when R-9 rocket blew up in an underground launch facility.
Since then, no launch is scheduled for October 24. This is the day to tribute to the memory of the space victims.

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Roscosmos PAO: "Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov Questioned by News Media During the Party Devoted to the 50th Anniversary of Mission Control Center".

On Oct. 22, during the party devoted to the 50th anniversary of Mission Control Center, Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov answered several questions by news media.

About construction of the Vostochny space port.
- By now, the Vostochny concept and program had been coordinated with all authorities, including the Ministry of Finance. The concept has been submitted to the Russian Government. In other words, on our level the concept is completed.
However, Vostochny is build under the Space Port Evolution Subprogram under the Ministry of Defense… Probably, there are some delays in their program on the whole. I have signed the documents to be submitted to the Ministry of Economical Development – in order not to postpone Vostochy construction, and to discuss it during the Governmental meeting.
Construction of two launch pads in Vostochny will be carried out in line with the schedule – from late 2011 to late 2015.

About Soyuz TMA-20 launch in December, 2010.
- Launch campaign is ongoing in line with the schedule. Most operations have been completed already. However we had to return the damaged descent capsule to RSC-Energia. But the launch delay will be minor, just a few days. The launch is to occur on Dec. 15.

About RSC-Energia as a leader of the space holding.
- Our concept has been supported… Rocket space holding is to run many programs, including Sea and Land Launches, advanced rockets and space vehicles for Vostochny, with Rus-M and heavy-lift launchers, engines RD-180, etc. So, the holding will caver it all. Russian Government has also approved this approach.
Energomash is already one of the companies in the holding. Further on, TSKB-Progress and many other companies will join. The holding will deal with human space missions, engine design, advanced launchers, etc.

---------- Post added 24th Oct 2010 at 04:50 PM ---------- Previous post was 23rd Oct 2010 at 09:25 PM ----------

Xinhua: "Russia to open new space complex in 2015".

Russia's space agency Roscosmos and Financial Ministry finalized and signed the project of building a new space launch site in Russia's Far East, the RIA Novosti news agency reported on Friday.

Now the project on construction of Vostochny space launching complex is ready for submission to the government, head of Roscosmos Anatoli Perminov said.

Vostochny, located in the Amur region bordering China, will host two booster sites, a training center and a medical research center. The space complex will be connected to the outer world with roads and railways.

The first launch from Vostochny has been planned for 2015, and the first manned expedition would start from there in 2018.

Currently, Russian manned spaceships are launched from the Baikonur space site located in Kazakhstan.

 

[Orbinaut Pete]

Roscosmos PAO: "Russia, Ukraine may Send Ukrainian Cosmonaut to ISS".

Russia and Ukraine have agreed that they may send a Ukrainian cosmonaut on a Russian spaceship to participate in long-term operations on the Russian segment of the International Space Station (ISS), Roscosmos Head Anatoly Perminov told news media.
According to him, it was Ukrainian proposal which implies training of national cosmonauts in Roscosmos’ Gagarin Training Center. However, the ‘costly’ initiative still has to be discussed with the ISS international partners, Perminov stated.
The Ukrainian National Space Agency will also work through all the aspects of the project, which haven't been specified at the current stage.

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RIA Novosti: "Russia ready to discuss training Ukrainian astronauts".

 

[SiberianTiger]

Would be very nice if Ukraine could join up to the best extent of their industrial and scientific capabilities.