Yanygin, V.Y., Kondratenko, A.N. Global perspectives for the space activities in the first half of the XXI century

Abstract: The goal of this study is to form propositions for the development of the space activities of the Russian Federation in the long-term perspective. The analysis of tendencies in the development of space technologies and the perspectives of space programs of the leading world powers shows that the Russian space plans are falling behind them. It seems reasonable to complement the longterm space activity strategy of Russia with the following topical goals: formation of the new maximally efficient space transportation system, which would allow to lower the costs of bringing the valuables to the low orbit to 1500 – 2000 USD per kilo. Having an efficient STS, one may start the industrial use of the circum-terrestrial space; development and production of the heavy and super-heavy launch vehicles over the 40 tons, as well as the interplanetary space vehicles for the new STS over the limits of the low orbits in the near future; formation for the large sputnik platforms at the geo-stationary orbits with the use of STS in order to solve the applied problems of military and civilian nature, as well as fundamental studies of the Moon, the Mars and the closest asteroids; development and production of the technical means for the use of the STS in order to change the trajectory of asteroids in case of threat of their collision with the Earth, which may lead to the global catastrophe. The implementation of the ambitious program by Russia can guarantee the innovative breakout to the new technologies, which in turn shall facilitate the successful transition of the economics of our state to the 6th technological mode.

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