Skolkovo to focus on space technologies

From The Voice of Russia: Skolkovo to focus on space technologies
Scientific Research Institute of Space Technologies is to be set up under cooperation between the Skolkovo fund and Rocket and Space Corporation Energia. The agreement to that effect has been signed at the international aviation and space salon MAKS-2011 in the town of Zhukovsky, Moscow region.

Rocket and Space Corporation Energia is a legendary Russian manufacturer of spacecraft and space station components. It was founded in 1946 as Special Design Bureau N 1 by the leading Soviet rocket engineer and spacecraft designer Sergey Korolev. The Corporation in particular developed the first artificial satellite Sputnik 1, unmanned stations launched to the Moon, Venus and Mars.

Today Energia is also a recognized leader in the application of science-based space technologies in non-space industries. The Skolkovo innovative center also wants to the achievements of the Russian space industry for the development of other sectors of the national economy, the president of the Skolkovo fund Viktor Vekselberg says:

"We have a constant discussion on the question “Does Russia need innovations?” Skeptics mainly say that it does not. But I think the fact that Energia has joined the Skolkovo project confirms that there is a great demand for new technologies."

The development of space technologies is one of the five priority sectors for modern Russia, marked by President Dmitry Medvedev. The head of the space cluster at the Skolkovo innovative center cosmonaut Sergey Zhukov is convinced that space technologies is one of the most advantageous hi-tech sectors for Russia. First of all this applies to telecommunication and navigation segments, he says:

"I mean the development and the use of wide range of services on the base of GLONASS, GPS and Galileo navigation systems as well as Compass system which is currently being developed by China."

Russia may become the provider of telecommunication and navigation services on a global scale. We can count on more than billion users. Another priority is the restoration of traditional segments of the national space industry, the development of new generation rocket carriers which will ensure low cost transportation of cargos to space. Russia can also provide research and development services in space industry to the whole world. We have good brains and excellent competence.

According to the head of the space cluster at the Skolkovo innovative center the function of the Skolkovo fund is to choose and finance interesting and breakthrough ideas in space industry. It can be a remote sensing of Earth, navigation and communication developments or design documentation of a super light rocket or a small size satellite.