• E-mail
• Print
• Comment
• Font Size
• Digg
• del.icio.us
• Discuss article

Space Industry Remains Russia's Priority - Putin

Posted on: Monday, 12 April 2004, 06:00 CDT

MOSCOW. April 12 (Interfax) - Russian President Vladimir Putin described intensive broadening and deepening of the work in outer space as "Russia's strategic priority."

"The Russian leadership is well aware that operations in space concern to very important spheres. These activities are essential to the country's existence," Putin said Monday at the Federal Space Agency on the Day of Space Exploration.

"Being aware of this, we will plan our work with the space industry," Putin said.

He said that only by developing the space industry "can Russia claim leading roles in the world."

He urged the space industry's management to plan spending carefully.

"Managers in the space industry must approach these problems carefully and seriously, and put money only into important, chief projects. There is always too little money, and it's sometimes difficult to spend money effectively," the Russian president said.

"Life has proved that no global problem, whether its protecting the environment or ensuring comprehensive international security, can be solved without a wide use of resources in space," Putin said. "Our space research programs have won us access to the community of industrialized nations and asserted our positions in it. This sphere has allowed our country to assume leading positions in the hi-tech sector."

He said "Russia has a unique space potential, especially in the area of long-duration space flights."

"Our participation in the International Space Station project is indisputable proof of this. The ISS remains in operation precisely due to Russian manned and supply ships, which provide it with everything it needs," said Putin.

More News in this Category