Russia: Space Exploration and Development Prospects

Abstract

This article presents data on the current state of the Russian space industry and describes its short- and medium-term development prospects. The analysis is based on statistical research and government policy documents to identify the key trends and development directions of space-related science and technology in Russia in the year 2012–2013. Significant attention is paid to analysing strategic and projected data and programmes approved by public authorities. This has enabled identification of the steps taken to regulate the space industry, major government policy tools, and goals and objectives set for the immediate future. Of particular interest are projects implemented during the period in question, and those planned for the near future. These projects cover all key areas of space exploration and space-based Earth observation. Development prospects for space-related services are analysed in the following segments: manned spacecraft launches, space navigation satellites, and remote sensing of the Earth. An important topic in this article is international cooperation and its prospects for the near future.