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Experts: Russia losing ground in space research

The volume of space research programs implemented in Russia is obviously inadequate, experts believe

MOSCOW, December 19. /ITAR-TASS/. Russia's rocket and space industry is uncompetitive and the country is losing ground in space research, the expert council for legislative framework of the defense complex and military cooperation said on Thursday.

“The Russian rocket and space industry, except for quite narrow, specific segments of manned space navigation and launch services, is practically uncompetitive,” says the report made available to journalists.

According to the experts, the realization of private-public partnership potential in the development and use of space technologies remains low.

“The volume of space research programs implemented in Russia is obviously inadequate: the country is ceding its position in space research,” the report says.

Reforms are needed to resolve the pile of problems but, the experts believe, they require an adequate legal framework. The Council recommends setting up a security council’s space commission and preparing a number of bills, while the Accounts Chamber, the report says, should analyze space spending efficiency next year.

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