MOSCOW, July 24. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia should produce all communications satellites on domestic soil to support the country’s satellite fleet and reduce its dependence on foreign components, Communications Minister Nikolai Nikiforov said on Thursday.
“It is obvious that we won’t be able to ensure guaranteed development of our civilian satellite grouping, if we continue to depend on foreign partners,” Nikiforov said.
Russia’s dependence on foreign manufacturers is very high as import components make up 80-90% in Russian payloads and 30-40% in spacecraft platforms, the communications minister said.
The time limits for space vehicle production and warranties for satellites’ reliable operation are major problems confronted by the Russian industry, the minister said.
The Russian Communications Ministry has proposed switching to full-cycle contracts to resolve these problems. Full-cycle contracts envisage contractors’ financial liability for delays in the manufacture of satellites and their unsuccessful launches, the communications minister said.