Roscosmos: Aiming for 300 Rocket Launches in a Decade
Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, has announced plans to achieve 300 rocket launches over the next ten years as part of its national space program. The initiative, spearheaded by Dmitry Bakanov, the head of Roscosmos, aims to bolster Russia’s position in space exploration and high-tech industries amid Western sanctions. The program includes the development of 1,000 spacecraft and 30,000 components from domestic radio-electronics industry, with annual launch targets of 20 to 30 rockets, nearly double the current pace. Additionally, the program encompasses lunar exploration, including the Luna series of spacecraft, and the development of advanced rockets like the Soyuz-5.
Bakanov noted that the newly approved national program, ‘Space’, includes lunar exploration and provides for the development of seven spacecraft in the Luna series. Earlier this month, the government said work on the Soyuz-5 rocket was nearing completion. Designed to launch automated spacecraft into a range of orbits, the rocket will use Russia’s new Energomash engines and carry up to 17 tons to low Earth orbit.
Separately, the head of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Anatoly Petrukovich, said Russia plans to launch its Luna-26 spacecraft to the Moon in 2028.
Russia aims to produce and launch up to 300 space rockets over the next decade, the head of the Roscosmos space agency, Dmitry Bakanov, has announced.
The initiative highlights Moscow’s push to strengthen its position in space and expand high-tech industries, even as Western sanctions restrict access to advanced components.
The plan is part of a national project to develop Russia’s space activities, which includes eight federal programs with annual performance targets, Bakanov said on the sidelines of the Microelectronics 2025 forum on Monday.
He added that Roscosmos plans to build 1,000 spacecraft and 300 carrier rockets under the ten-year program. Each spacecraft will contain about 2,000 components from the domestic radio-electronics industry, with annual launches set at 20 to 30 rockets – nearly double Russia’s current pace.
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Additionally, the program’s broader goals include lunar exploration, with the Luna series of spacecraft set to play a significant role. The recently completed Soyuz-5 rocket, which is expected to launch automated spacecraft into various orbits, will utilize Russia’s new Energomash engines. It is designed to carry up to 17 tons to low Earth orbit, marking a significant advancement in Russia’s space capabilities.
These efforts are part of a broader national strategy to enhance Russia’s space infrastructure and reduce dependence on foreign technology. With the development of homegrown components and advanced rocket systems, Russia aims to not only solidify its position in the global space race but also promote its high-tech industries. The initiative is being supported by the government, which has emphasized the importance of these projects in the context of international sanctions and technological challenges.