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Russia to make prototype nuclear engine for interplanetary flights in 5 years

According to the Roscosmos head, research and design works are underway

MOSCOW, July 27 (Itar-Tass) —— A prototype nuclear engine for interplanetary flights will be created in Russia in a span of five years, according to head of Russia’s Space Agency (Roscosmos) Vladimir Popovkin.

“I think we shall make a prototype in 2017. And then it will be time to take a decision whether to make a spacecraft or not,” he said. “But so far, it is necessary to make a prototype and test it.”

According to the Roscosmos head, research and design works are underway. “As a matter of fact, Russia is the leader in this sector,” he stressed. “Rosatom is working on a nuclear reactor and we are developing all the rest.”