Sergey Ponomarev «OUR MAJOR GOAL IS TO PROMOTE PEACEFUL USES OF OUTER SPACE»
Deputy Head of the Russian Federal Space Agency Sergey Ponomarev answers our questions.1 SECURITY INDEX: In the last few years Russian space activities have been quite intense. What is the reason for that? Is it possible to evaluate some results of this work? PONOMAREV: The basis for such activities is formed thanks to improved funding and better provision of resources. We get as much financing for our programs as it is appropriated in the respective documents. Moreover, the approved three year budget will ensure even more allo cations. Our priorities in funding are the manned space flights, development of the global nav igation system, and fundamental research in outer space. Specific results of this work can be characterized with the following parameters. Our country plays the leading role in the implementation of manned space flights and is the leader of the world market of spacecraft launches. In 2007 Russia made 38 percent of global launches (for instance, the United States accounted for only 29 percent). The growth in the number of launched spacecraft was 78 percent; as far as commercial projects are concerned – 2.7 times. During 2007 we launched to the orbit 48 spacecraft, out of which 30 flights were commissioned by other countries. Even higher results are planned for 2008 (over 50 launch es of multi purpose spacecraft, excluding the military ones). INTERVIEWS At present, we see the strong trend towards further renewal of the Russian orbital group and enhancement of its capabilities. For instance, in 2007 for the first time in the last seven years the number of satellites in the group exceeded 100. The orbital group of the Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) should comprise 16 spacecraft (12 of which are in operational use and were launched in 2005–2007). The domestic system of remote sensing of the Earth has been operational since 2006. It is based on the Resurs DK spacecraft (with the 1–3 m resolution), which can effectively be used for defense purposes. We have fewer accidents during the carrier rocket launches. In 2005 three launches failed, in 2007 – only one; in the first semester of 2008 there was only one case of disrupted work of the Briz M booster. Our international cooperation in the area of outer space is being actively developed. For instance, in 2007 we signed additionally 13 interagency and two intergovernmental agree ments. The number of joint projects in the sphere of design has substantially increased. There is uninterrupted and growing funding originating from international projects – up to 7 billion rubles (i.e. 9 percent increase in 2007). Another important factor is the advancement of the production facilities and technologies within the missile and space industry. For instance, the production growth reached 15 percent
SECURITY INDEX No. 1 (86), Volume 15 27 and was twice as higher as in the rest of national industries. The number of bankrupts and unprofitable enterprises has been reduced to a few. Thus, we have nearly overcome the systemic crisis typical of the space industry in the 1990s. The facilities develop new capabilities that will enable them to accomplish the principally new missions in the area of outer space exploration. SECURITY INDEX: Could you dwell on the international cooperation projects and comment on the construction of the space launching site in French Guiana and the prospects of the Sea Launch? PONOMAREV: Today Russia has specific cooperation projects with the United States, the European Space Agency, and with such countries as France, Italy, Germany; among our part ners are South Africa, South Korea, India, and China; inside the CIS we can speak about Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia. I.e. the range of countries is broad. Of course, there are some priority projects. The construction of the space launching site in the space center in Guiana goes on smoothly and in accordance with the schedule. Russia sup plies it with Soyuz