News Roscosmos News

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RIA Novosti: Russian Space Industry Needs ‘Extreme Measures’ - Chief:

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“Unless we undertake extreme measures, the sector will be uncompetitive within three-four years,” Roscosmos head Vladimir Popovkin said during a lecture to science and technology students.

A recent spate of failed launches is “only the litmus test,” he said. “The root causes are much deeper and more important.”

Russian satellites could end up priced out of the market because per-capita productivity in the aerospace sectors of competing countries is two to four times higher, he warned. “If nothing changes, we won’t be able to sell [Russian space technology] in 2015, because Western equipment will be priced 33 to 50 percent lower,” Popovkin said.

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Parabolic Arc: Roscosmos Chief: Extreme Measures Needed to Save Russian Space Industry

 

[Suzy]

"Russians face their space crisis" - James Oberg, NBC News

 

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Parabolic Arc: Popovkin: Russian Space Industry Needs Massive Downsizing

 

[SiberianTiger]

http://www.utro.ru/articles/2012/10/08/1076376.shtml

Russia and Kazakhstan could not agree on building an Angara launch pad.

According to Izvestia newspaper, negotiations between Russia and Kazakhstan on building a launch complex for the most modern Russian rocket Angara at Baikonur Cosmodrome (the so called Baiterek project) haven't reached an agreement.

"Probability that Baiterek project will ever see a light is now virtually zero. Formally, the talks are not over, but it's clear that no agreement satisfying both sides can be reached. Kazakhstan suggests building the launch pad jointly, dividing the financing as 50/50. In this arrangement, our investment would be 800 million US Dollars, which is not profitable for Russia", said a source in Roscosmos to the newspaper.

In January, 2004 Presidents Putin and Nazarbaev signed an agreement to make a "Baiterek" rocket launch complex at Baikonur Cosmodrome. Five years later it became clear that there were not enough money for that project. By the initial plan, the complex should have been ready in 2010, and the first launch of a light Angara should have been performed in 2011 off it.

In 2011 Russia began building its another national cosmodrome Vostochny in Amur territory. According to Putin, in just three years a first rocket should be launched from it, and in 6 years from now a first manned launch is expected.

A real life will keep running on Baikonur only until Russia can get to deploy infrastructure at the new cosmodrome and building of two launch pads there, believes the source in Roscosmos. "Government of Kazakhstan called Baiterek a cornerstone of their national space program's development, but refused to finance the project. We know that representatives of Kazkosmos are now having talks with Ukrainian powers to arrange for a straight supply of Zenit rockets. They believe they can reconstruct one of the two unused Zenit launch pads at Baikonur.", he noted.

 

[N_Molson]

Come on, I want to see Angara fly !

 

[SiberianTiger]

Come on, I want to see Angara fly !

It probably will, but from Russian soil. At least, Angara-1 is really safe to anticipate in the observable future at this point.

And BTW, "almost Angara" KSLV-1 will (try again) to lift off maybe even this October:
http://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/news/nation/2012/09/117_119635.html

 

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Parabolic Arc: Roscosmos Selects 8 Cosmonaut Trainees:

Roscosmos has selected eight applicants to go through cosmonaut training, according to a press release issued by the Russian space agency.

The new trainees are A.V. Fedyaeva, I.V. Ignatov, S.V. Korsakov, O.V. Blinov, D.A. Petelina, N.A. Chub, P.V. Dubrova, and A. Kikin.

The space agency received 304 applications as part of the first ever open call for cosmonauts, Roscosmos said. Fifty-one applicants made it past the first cut, and nine successfully passing a further review. Eight of the nine were selected.

During NASA’s most recent call for astronauts, which ended in January, the American space agency received more than 6,300 applications.

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[SiberianTiger]

The new trainees are A.V. Fedyaeva, I.V. Ignatov, S.V. Korsakov, O.V. Blinov, D.A. Petelina, N.A. Chub, P.V. Dubrova, and A. Kikin.

Doug is spelling the names into English wrong, also wrecking havoc with genders of the applicants. By the original Roscosmos note (http://www.federalspace.ru/main.php?id=2&nid=19580), the approved applicants' list matches mine, published few posts above:


1) (M) Oleg Vladimirovich Blinov, born 1978, GCTS training specialist
2) (M) Pyotr (Peter) Valeryevich Dubrov, born 1978, IT Engineer, "CBOSS Development International" LLC.
3) (M) Ignat Nikolayevich Ignatov, born 1982, Maj., Military Engineer, GCTS Hydrolab specialist
4) (F) Anna Yurievna Kikina, born 1984, Broadcast Director, "Radio Sibir Altai" LLC
5) (M) Sergey Vladimirovich Korsakov, born 1984, works for "Info Capital Group" LLC
6) (M) Dmitry Alexandrovich Petelin, born 1983, works for "NIK" LLC
7) (M) Andrey Valeryevich Fedyaev, born 1981, Capt., Anti-Submarine patrol pilot
8) (M) Nikolay Alexandrovich Tchoob (or Chub), born 1984, General Director of "Space TU" LLC

 

[SiberianTiger]

http://www.space.com/17988-sarah-brightman-space-tourist-flight.html

Singer Sarah Brightman Will Ride Russian Rocket to Space
by Clara Moskowitz, SPACE.com Assistant Managing Editor
Date: 10 October 2012 Time: 09:31 AM ET

British soprano singer Sarah Brightman has announced her plan to ride a Russian rocket into space for a 10-day visit to the International Space Station.

Brightman made her announcement today (Oct. 10) from Moscow during a press conference with Roscosmos (the Russian Federal Space Agency) and Space Adventures, the Virginia firm that brokered the deal.

"Throughout most of my life I've felt an incredible desire to take the journey to space that I have now begun," Brightman said. "A journey into space is the greatest adventure I can imagine."

The singer will be the eighth private citizen to pay her way to space. The last space tourist, Canadian Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte, flew to orbit in 2009 for about $35 million. Space Adventures is not releasing the cost of Brightman's ticket, but it is almost certainly more than Laliberte's. [Photos: The First Space Tourists]

"The price of the flight is confidential, but it is a roundtrip ticket," said Eric Anderson, chairman of Space Adventures.

Brightman, who rose to fame starring in the original Broadway production of "Phantom of the Opera," said space has influenced her from a young age.

"My music has always been inspired by space," Brightman said. "It was because of seeing the first man on the moon back in the '60s that actually inspired me and gave me the courage to go into the career that I had. At moments when I'm feeling nervous onstage or I'm feeling unsure I actually look to the stars and the planets and space and it gives me courage and inspiration."

Brightman will begin a six-month cosmonaut training regime in Star City, Russia, after she completes a year-long world tour for her new album, "Dream Chaser," starting in January.

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"The final scheduling and details of my trip by Soyuz rocket to the International Space Station will be determined very shortly by Roscosmos and the ISS partners," Brightman said.

 

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Parabolic Arc: Khrunichev Gets New General Director:

MOSCOW (Khrunichev PR) – The Competition Commission found it appropriate to appoint Alexander Ivanovich Selivyorstov as the new CEO of Khrunichev.

The head of the Federal Space Agency will sign the appropriate documents soon.

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Parabolic Arc: Energomash Test Fires New RD-193 Engine

 

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RussianSpaceWeb.com: The real rocket to nowhere (A strange case of Soyuz in Vostochny), Published: 2012 Oct. 29

 

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Parabolic Arc: Russia Space Sector Damaged by Focus on Quantity, Not Quality

 

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Parabolic Arc: Meet Russia’s Newest Cosmonaut Candidates:

MOSCOW (Roscosmos PR) – On October 30, a group of eight would-be astronauts, formed through an open competition, was taken to Baikonur to see the launch of the International Space Station cargo vehicle Progress M-17M and the Proton-M rocket, intended for injection into orbit Russian communication satellites Luch-5B and Yamal-300K. For most of the cosmonauts candidates, this was their first trip to the space center, and is part of their general space training program.

Candidate biographies are below.

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Roscosmos Cosmonaut Candidates: Class of 2012​

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Oleg Blinov​

Born in 1978 in the village of Kirov-Chepetsk Tatars region Kirov region.​

In 1998, he graduated from the Kirov Military Aviation Technical School on “Technical maintenance of aircraft and engines.” Graduated with honors. In 2001 he graduated from the Vyatka State Agricultural Academy, specialty – mechanical engineer.​

Previous job: FGBU “Yuri Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Institute.” Chief engineer for operations for EVA. Experience in the aerospace industry for over 10 years.​

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Peter V. Dubrov​

Born in 1978 in the city of Khabarovsk.​

In 1999 he graduated from the Khabarovsk State University.​

Software Engineer, specialty “Software computers and automated systems.”​

Previous job: OOO “CBOSS International Development.”​

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Ignat Ignatov​

Born in 1982 in Kremenchuk, Poltava region of Ukraine.​

In 2004 he graduated from the Air Force Academy. Zhukovsky. Engineer “Technical maintenance of aircraft electrical systems and flight control and navigation systems.”​

Previous job: FSBI SRI “Cosmonaut. Yuri Gagarin. ” Lead Test Engineer for EVA work in the hydro.​

He has more than 500 hours under water. In the space industry for more than eight years.​

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Anna Y. Kikin​

Born in 1984 in Novosibirsk.​

She graduated from the Novosibirsk State Academy of Water Transport (with honors). An engineer “Protection in Emergency Situations” (2006), economist-manager in “Economics and Management” (2008).​

Previous job: OOO “Radio Siberia Altai”.​

Master of Sports in polyathlon (all-around), and rafting, winner of silver medal “Ski Track of Russia” (2011).​

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Sergey Korsakov​

Born in 1984 in Frunze (Bishkek NV) Kirghizia.​

A graduate of Bauman. Bauman (2006), with honors, an engineer by profession “Rocket Engines.”​

Previous job: OOO “Info Capital Group.”​

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Dmitry Petelin​

Born in 1983 in Kustanai Kazakhstan.​

In 2006, he graduated from South Ural State University. An engineer, “Aircraft and Helicopter.”​

Previous job: Ltd. “NEC”.​

Development engineer third category of department “aircraft design.” Experience in the aviation industry for over six years.​

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Andrey Fedyaev​

Born in 1981 in Serov, Sverdlovsk region.​

In 2004 he graduated from the Krasnodar Military Aviation Institute “Operation of air transport and air traffic control.​

“Military pilot 2nd class.​

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Chub Nikolai​

Born in 1984 in Novocherkassk, Rostov region.​

In 2006 he graduated from the South-Russian State Technical University, specialty – engineer (“Management and Informatics in Technical Systems”). SRSTU graduate student.​

Previous job: OOO “Space Tu.”​

Has more than 150 parachute jumps, including flights to suit wingsuit (costume-wing). Russian and European record holder in 2011 in the class of large wingsuit-formations.​

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Parabolic Arc: Russian Space Industry to Get Help With Exports:

MOSCOW (ROSCOSMOS/EKSAR PR) — Promotion of exports of goods and services for companies in the Russian civilian space industry will be a major area of cooperation between the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) and the Russian Agency for Export Credit and Investment (EKSAR) according to the memorandum of understanding signed on November 2, 2012 at the Open Innovation Forum.

The document was signed by Roscosmos head Vladimir Popovkin and EKSAR General Director Pyotr Fradkov.

The document suggests the development of a mechanism for the selection of projects, the providing of insurance for projects of the rocket and space industry, and joint consideration of these projects.

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[SiberianTiger]

It's not directly related to Roscosmos, but the change is pretty important as such, since it may influence future developments in Roscosmos as well.

http://www.rferl.org/content/putin-fires-russia-defense-minister/24761953.html

Putin Sacks Defense Minister, Names Shoigu To Replace Him

November 06, 2012

Russian President Vladimir Putin has dismissed Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov over alleged corruption in military procurement deals involving a company formerly led by Serdyukov.

At a meeting with Moscow region Governor Sergei Shoigu on November 6, Putin said that Shoigu would take over for Serdyukov.

Shoigu, who served as Russia's emergency situations minister for nearly a decade, between 1994 and 2012, was appointed Moscow Oblast governor in May.

Putin said that his decision to dismiss Serdyukov was based on the necessity "to create conditions for objective investigations of the situation in the Defense Ministry."

Last week, Russia's Investigative Committee announced that investigations had been launched into allegations of fraudulent sales of military assets.

Until last year, Serdyukov oversaw Oboronservis, a company at the center of the fraud scandal.

Serdyukov had served as Russia's defense minster since February 2007.

I guess it's now politically correct to say the the former defense minister, nicknamed "Stool Man" by ill wishers due to his former occupation as a furniture shop manager, was much rumored about as a big figure in highest levels Russian corruption schemes and deserved much animosity from servicemen of all ranks.

The newly appointed native Siberian Sergey Shoigu has a mostly clear public record. I'm almost in a pity that he has left the Governor post in my region of residence. Maybe he can really be a "Good hunter" and do more good at his new post.

And, it's clear now that a Purge is now going on.

 

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Space Daily: Vostochny and Angara mark two major milestones for Russian space sector

 

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Space Daily: Russian space chiefs shaken by graft probe

 

[N_Molson]

Seems they still have a lot of trouble to track money...

 

[SiberianTiger]

Space Daily: Russian space chiefs shaken by graft probe

I don't think the mentioned events can directly affect Popovkin, as the article suggests. He's on the other side of the front line in this scandal: all the buzz around "Russian Space Systems" have ignited after Popovkin began to make public noise about them.