Russia May Rebuild Space Warning System

Russia plans to rebuild its space missile warning system, local media reported Friday.

Interfax news reported Anatoly Perminov, head of the country’s space agency, Roskosmos, said restoration of the space missile warning system has been included in industry planning.

As for the rebuilding of the missile warning system and various military satellites, these projects are envisioned, the ITAR-TASS news agency quoted Perminov as saying.

Perminov said projects have made headway and funding increased for 2005, ITAR-TASS reported.

Efforts are underway to increase the reliability and durability of space hardware, Perminov said.

Russia has 53 satellites in orbit, 35 of which are scientific or commercial, ITAR-TASS reported earlier this year.

Russia’s Space Troops — the country’s military space command — and Roskosmos plan to launch at least 15 civilian, military and dual-purpose satellites, serving both military and civilian needs, in 2005.