OREANDA-NEWS. April 11, 2008. President Vladimir Putin met with the Russian Security Council to discuss Russia's space exploration policy for the period through to 2020 and beyond.
 
The meeting examined various aspects of space exploration, including manned space flights, defence and security, the development of ground-based infrastructure and rebuilding the sector’s human resources potential.

Particular attention was given to the implementation of a programme for developing Russia’s space launch centres, including plans to establish a space launch centre, Vostochny, in Amur Region (Russian Far East).

Mr Putin outlined the main tasks for the space sector: building the new Vostochny Space Launch Centre to guarantee Russia’s access to outer space from its own territory, building up Russia’s orbital group, increasing Russia’s share on the world space sector market, rebuilding the space sector’s human resources potential and modernising the sector.

The President also noted that the Russian business community’s growing possibilities enable it to become a serious participant in space programmes.

Mr Putin congratulated everyone working in the space sector on their professional holiday – Space Exploration Day – and wished them new achievements in consolidating Russia’s status as a leader in outer space.

Opening Remarks at a Meeting with the Security Council on Russia’s Space Exploration Policy for the Period through to 2020 and Beyond
Working Meeting with First Deputy Prime Minister Sergei Ivanov and Director of the Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos) Anatoly Perminov on Space Sector Development, Moscow, March 20, 2008.