KOROLEV /Moscow Region/, October 26. /TASS/. Russian President Vladimir Putin on Thursday pledged further support to a project to develop a nuclear propulsion system for Russian spacecraft.

Yuri Novikov, a specialist from Russia’s Arsenal design bureau, asked the president whether the industry may count on the government’s support for the project to design a reactor-powered engine for spacecraft.

"Yes, you may," Putin replied. "We are the frontrunners in this area, and others are trailing behind. This is a very important subject. We have just <…> discussed the matter," Putin replied.

He added that many of Russia’s partners have already signaled their interest in the project.

A contract for the development of a preliminary design of a nuclear-powered tug, to be used in deep space flights, was signed in December 2020 between Roscosmos and the Arsenal design bureau (part of the state corporation).