Putin instructed to consider the creation of spacecraft for extremely low orbits

Russian President Vladimir Putin instructed Roskosmos and the Agency for Strategic Initiatives to Promote New Projects (ASI) to consider creating spacecraft for extremely low orbits. List of instructions of the head of state published on the Kremlin website.

“Consider the issue of creating spacecraft operating in extremely low orbits (up to 200 km) and manufacturing prototypes of such vehicles for testing,” the list says.

Then the state corporation and ASI will have to determine the feasibility of a separate program for the development of such orbits and evaluate the amount of funds and sources of financing for the program. The progress report must be submitted by December 1st. The head of Roskosmos, Yuri Borisov, and the director general of ASI, Svetlana Chupsheva, were appointed responsible.

Putin gave this instruction following the plenary session of the Strong Ideas for the New Times forum, which took place on June 29. During the event, a representative of a small innovative enterprise KIP from Sergiev Posad informedthat the enterprise has created an engine that allows the spacecraft to remain in extremely low orbit. According to him, the company also has a platform for mass production of low-cost small-sized satellites for altitudes of 150-200 km.

The forum participant called the developments “breakthrough, world-class”. He noted that their implementation will allow Russia “to be the first in the world to occupy low space” and will help solve the problems of defense and security. In response, Putin called the direction “interesting and promising” and promised to talk about it with the head of Roskosmos, Yuri Borisov.