Russia is gearing up for a significant expansion of its orbital capabilities, with plans to launch more than 100 spacecraft by the end of 2024, according to local media reports on Friday.
The ambitious plan aims to bolster Russia’s orbital constellation, which currently comprises over 240 satellites. The TASS news agency cited Russian Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who highlighted the strategic importance of enhancing the country’s space assets.
“Russia has scheduled the launch of a substantial number of spacecraft to reinforce our domestic orbital constellation in 2024,” Manturov stated. “We anticipate launching a total of 123 spacecraft, including 70 small satellites, within the next year.”
This initiative follows Russia’s ongoing efforts to advance its space technology and maintain a competitive edge in the global space industry. Earlier this year, the head of Russia’s state space corporation Roscosmos, Yury Borisov, announced plans to carry out over 40 space launches in 2024.
The increased number of launches signifies Russia’s commitment to expanding its presence in space for both civilian and military purposes. The new satellites are expected to enhance communication networks, navigation systems, and Earth observation capabilities.
Russia’s space program has a storied history, dating back to the Soviet era with landmark achievements such as launching the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, in 1957, and sending the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961. The current expansion reflects the nation’s ongoing dedication to space exploration and technological advancement.
The move also underscores the increasing global competition in space, as countries across Asia and around the world invest heavily in space technology for economic development, national security, and scientific research.
As Russia moves forward with its plans, the international community will be watching closely to see how these developments impact the dynamics of space exploration and usage, particularly in the context of international cooperation and competition.
Reference(s):
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