The Russian Space Industry is about to undergo a complete reform. Roscosmos, the Russian Federal Space Agency, prepared a plan that will see the industry recovering from a deep systemic crisis.

      The crisis was caused by the previous reform (2007-2011) when several "holdings" were created to operate the industry. Unfortunately, some of them performed entirely similar tasks or even were involved in production of rockets of exactly the same type. The lack of structure behind the reform exacerbated the already pitiful state of the space exploration and cosmic industry in Russia.

      The proposed plan will see a creation of several divisions empowered to control one of the industry sectors. The Russian Space Corporation will look after the piloting and space science. The largest division, the Russian Rocket and Space Corporation, will focus on the creation of launch vehicles (including the upper stages of the series "Breeze"), rocket propulsion systems, control systems by means of breeding and space vehicles, space complexes of remote sensing and cartography. This division will incorporate a special department dedicated to motor and mechanical equipment manufacturing - this is presently the weakest link in all cosmic industry in Russia.

      The weaponry and munition companies specializing in space systems, complexes of missile warning, space systems, marine reconnaissance and target designation and electronic warfare will be collected under the title "Special Space Systems". The developers of intercontinental ballistic missiles, submarine launched ballistic missiles, automated command and control systems as well as launchers for strategic nuclear forces will operate as the Strategic Rocket Weaponry Corporation.

      The Information Satellite Systems Corporation will address the question of creating space telecommunication systems, navigation systems, as well as electric rocket engines. The creation of ground and airborne (including special) radio systems, automated systems of land management, as well as airborne and ground-based optical-electronic systems will be operated by the Russian Cosmic Systems.

      Finally, the latest integrated structure would be the Center of Operation of Ground and Space Infrastructure which will unite all the companies involved in the operation of space launch and ground-based automated communication systems, space telescopes, seed, fuel and fuel-neutralization systems, as well as the launch services.

      Some observers claim that Roscosmos may soon be dismissed algother in favour of some Government corporation. Apart from the inefficient reform in the years 2007-2011, other reasons for a deep industry crisis are the aging of technology assets, low utilization of the industry (30%), and low quality control of manufactured parts. Additionally, there is also a problem with finding professionals to work in the industry, when more attention will be paid to young generations.

      Source: QIP.