As part of the business programme of the First Russian Space Forum, the session entitled “Fundamental Space Research: From Low Earth Orbit to the Cosmic Frontier” was held within the most ambitious thematic block, “Breakthrough Frontiers: Science, the Moon, and Deep Space”. The Forum is organized by the State Corporation Roscosmos with the support of the Government of the Russian Federation. The operator is the Roscongress Foundation.
The central theme of the session was the role of fundamental science in shaping innovative approaches to the development of space programmes, as well as the role of human ambition in exploring new frontiers of the Universe. Participants in the discussion agreed on the strong domestic potential of the space sector, rooted in robust scientific schools. Significant opportunities are emerging in the exploration and utilization of low Earth orbit, which is gradually becoming more accessible to humanity, as well as in the development of new approaches to interaction with space objects.
“This year, we have begun implementing a new national project entitled ‘Space’, running until 2036. It consists of eight federal projects that can be divided into several groups. The first group comprises supporting projects implemented on Earth. One is aimed at training and motivating personnel, while the other focuses on the development and modernization of the production and technological base of our space industry enterprises. The second group includes projects implemented in near-Earth orbit: the creation of communication satellites, Earth remote sensing systems, the development of launch capabilities and Russian crewed spaceflight. The third group of projects is aimed at the exploration and development of the Solar System and the formation of a modern scientific understanding of the Universe”, emphasized Denis Kutovoy, Deputy Director of Space Systems Department, Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities; administrator of the federal projects "Space Science" and "Space Atom".
Another important aspect of the session was the discussion of the most effective ways to transition from scientific research to the practical application of solutions, within the framework of the federal project “Space Science”. Participants addressed the key challenges facing the domestic space sector and reflected on the achievements of Russian space science in recent years. This helps to form a clear understanding of the trajectory of space programme development in the near future.
“We have developed a fairly balanced federal project called ‘Space Science’. It encompasses everything: deep space research, including astrophysics, lunar exploration, with a very intensive programme planned for the next ten years, as well as planetary research”, said Sergey Chernyshev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
The session also raised the question of further space exploration beyond the study of Earth’s natural satellite. Plans for the domestic space sector include improving infrastructure for interaction with other planets in the Solar System, particularly Venus and Mercury.
“Projects do not emerge instantly. They are the result of decades of scientific work and institutional effort dating back to the Soviet era, involving a vast number of experiments that have allowed us to reach leading positions and undertake breakthrough initiatives now reflected in our project”, noted Anatoly Petrukovich, Director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
Invited speakers included: Nikolay Kolachevsky, Director, P.N. Lebedev Russian Academy of Sciences; Denis Kutovoy, Deputy Director of Space Systems Department, Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities; administrator of the federal projects "Space Science" and "Space Atom"; Alexander Mitkin, General Designer, JSC "NPO Lavochkina"; Anatoly Petrukovich, Director of the Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences; and Sergey Chernyshev, Vice President of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The session was moderated by Alexander Lutovinov, Deputy Director for Research, Space Research Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences.
