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Priorities of Russian Space Program: National Security, Manned Missions

Posted on: Monday, 4 October 2004, 06:00 CDT

MOSCOW. Oct 4 (Interfax) - The leadership of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics on Monday produced a report on the priorities of the national space program up until 2035.

The academy says the key tasks of the program are to supply data and support command over the Armed Forces, to develop and operate new multi-role spacecraft, to advance manned flights and to conduct fundamental space studies of the earth, Moon and remote planets.

"The main priorities are firmly strengthening national security and defense capabilities and fulfill tasks in the interests of the economy, science and social life," says a report presented at a Monday news conference at the Interfax main office. Experts also say it is necessary to promote international cooperation and commercialize space activities.

The report says the International Space Station (ISS) facilitates the advancement of Russia's scientific, technological and production potential and helps Russia preserve the status of a leading space power.

"Russia's full-fledged participation in the ISS program helps advance the nation's scientific, technological and production potential, preserve the status of a great space power and its worldwide reputation and also reduce the burden of investments in Russian space programs on the government," the report says.

The report says the Federal Space Agency "has learned to work under contracts whose volume has become comparable to the funds assigned from the national budget."

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