MOSCOW, February 20. /TASS/. Nearly 30 launches of space rockets are due this year, Roscosmos corporation CEO Dmitry Rogozin, told President Vladimir Putin on Saturday.

"On our timetable there are 29 space rocket launches," Rogozin said.

In 2020, he went on to say, there were 17 launches of space rockets and seven launches of military missiles were carried out.

"Moreover, we are to implement some very important projects. For the first time in 45 years, we are to resume exploration of the Moon. In October, the first descent module will be launched from the spaceport Vostochny. More automatic lunar probes will follow. Lastly, a manned program will begin," Rogozin said.

Two modules will be sent to the ISS.

"Both are at the Baikonur already. Their electric tests are about to be completed. The largest module - Nauka - is scheduled for launch in May," Rogozin said.

The space rocket Angara will continue to be tested.

"As you know, we resumed flight tests in December. All technical parameters the client set to us have been achieved. This year we have plans for the launch of one heavy Angara and two light ones. Then we will build up from this. Respectively, we are developing production in Omsk, at the industrial association Polyot, where the rocket is to be batch-produced starting from 2023 to meet the demand of the Defense Ministry and Roscosmos for these heavy rockets," he said.

Radar satellite

Rogozin said that the launch of an orbital radar was on the list of most important projects due this year.

"We are to orbit the first radar. It will be extremely important. The Northern Sea Route can serve as an example of how vital it is. Rosatom as the operator develops the Northern Sea Route, which is a unique transit artery for us. But to use the eastern section from Yamal to the East, to the Pacific, we are to see everything that is happening there," he explained.

Rogozin said that ordinary remote sensing satellites were unable to see the ice situation through thick fog.

"Radars can see everything in great detail in both daytime and nighttime all year round regardless of weather conditions. Practically we are creating navigation maps for the captains of nuclear-powered icebreakers, who will be able to chart the routes in real time mode and escort ship convoys," Rogozin said.