VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
ARCHIVE OF THE OFFICIAL SITE
OF THE 2008-2012 PRIME MINISTER
OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
VLADIMIR PUTIN
“We must work out a national strategy for the development of space centres for the long-term perspective. We should ensure a high return on the federal investment and effectively coordinate the construction and modernisation of space centres with other federal programmes and our plans for the relevant regions of the Russian Federation.”
“The first launch from the Vostochny Space Centre is due before 2015; its second stage will be completed by 2018, and the first manned flight should take place in 2018. <…> Russia must have a national space centre that meets the highest international standards. The majority of launches in the interests of various industries and within the framework of international cooperation will take off from this centre.”
“Only the existence of several space centres will guarantee Russia's complete independence in space exploration and will allow it to fully utilise the potentialities of space equipment. This is why we will continue paying so much attention to the modernisation of the existing space centres in Plesetsk and in Baikonur where, as I've already said, we will work with our Kazakh friends and colleagues.”
“In 2012, the federal budget allocated about 150 billion roubles for our space programmes, including more than 40.5 billion for space centres. The bulk of this money – about 30 billion roubles – will be spent on the Vostochny space centre.”
“The construction of the centre will serve as a catalyst for the development of the entire Far Eastern Federal District. It will help us fully utilise the industrial potential of the Far East and Eastern Siberia and attract highly skilled personnel to these regions.”
“Despite all the difficulties facing our space industry, we managed to deploy an operational orbital group in late 2011, and the global navigation system became a reality. The system includes 24 space modules which secure 100% navigational coverage across the globe. <…> Obviously, there are things that need to be improved. In order to be able to keep up with the competition, we need to improve the reliability of these satellites and extend their lifespan.”
“The government will continue to support our aerospace complex, which is an absolute strategic priority for us. From 2009 to 2011 the government allocated more than 270 billion roubles towards programmes in the aviation and space industries. Our country has become fourth in the world in annual expenditures on space exploration. Even <…> during the crisis we have not cut a single air and space programme. We financed all programmes in full, and without missing a beat”.
“In developing the Russian aviation and space industries, we fully understand that our achievements in this sphere do not merely reflect the prestige of our country, important though this is. They also ensure our defence capabilities and our national security, and create the conditions necessary for the country’s modern economic growth and technological advancement. <…> The key here is to create new opportunities for the self-realisation of the people”.
“This is one of our nation's competitive advantages in the global economy. I am referring both to the military and commercial aspects of the space industry. We have great schools and brilliant specialists. We will do everything to ensure that the industry continues to grow in the future.”
“GLONASS is operating on a global scale with 23 satellites whose signals are accessible worldwide. <…> The implementation of this project alone proves Russia's advanced technological status, and we have every reason to say that it can fully guarantee its navigational sovereignty, and can address economic and defence problems”.
“When we invest in space exploration programmes, we give people new opportunities in education, healthcare, information, and everyday safety. We must provide the greatest possible public access to "space services" across regions, communities, businesses and individuals”.
“Space exploration and its scientific and industrial potential are among our competitive advantages, and we take pride in them. We cannot rest on our laurels, or we will lose our leading position. It goes without saying, and we all realise this. It takes all the running you can do to keep in the same place. Now, we should not just remain where we are but improve our position and build up our space potential”.
“With the new space centre, Russia will become a truly self-sufficient space power, able to launch all types of spacecraft, including cargo spacecraft and space station modules. The facilities of Vostochny will also be used through the programmes for manned flights and missions to the moon and Mars. We hope to strengthen Russia’s position on the global market of space technology and services, where we clearly have a competitive edge.”