The "Phobos-Soil" unmanned interplanetary station will be launched into space in November of this year, which means Russia will resume flights to other planets after a long break of 20 years. 

      The station, which cost is about 5 billion rubles, will deliver the ground from Mars and its moon, according to Viktor Khartov, the chief designer and the general director of the Scientific and Industrial Association Named after Lavochkin (Khimki, Moscow region).

      Mr. Khartov said that now Russia is verging towards the return to exploration of planets and stars. In over 20 years Russia plans to learn flying into distant space, for example, to Mars.

        The "Phobos-Soil" automatic interplanetary station was developed by nearly 10,000 people. However, only 30-40 people will supervise the flight of the station to Phobos and back. "Phobos-Soil" will be the first Russian interplanetary mission since the failed Mars 96 mission.The station is sheduled for launch during the period from 5 to 20 November 2011 from the Baikonur spaceport.

      Vladimir Khartov said the scientists have provided for all possible technical difficulties. They have made several main parts of the "Phobos-Soil" spacecraft in two examples, which helps to change it quickly in case of any problems.

      There also will be some "passengers" on the "Phobos" board - the collection of microorganisms and maggots, which later will be delivered back to the Earth. 

Sources: Interfax Pravda.ru RIA Novosti