FARNBOROUGH. July 18 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Federal Space Agency has decided to suspend the tender on developing the Russian reusable spacecraft, which saw participation of the RKK Energia Corporation, the Khrunichev Space Scientific Industrial Center, and the Molniya Scientific Industrial Association, Russian Federal Space Agency head Anatoly Perminov said at a news conference at the Farnborough 2006 air show.
"The tender has dragged on for a number of reasons. We discussed and amended three projects. RKK Energia proposed the best option of developing the reusable spacecraft. RKK Energia's Clipper met almost every requirement, save for the financial one. We have decided to suspend the tender, as the European Space Agency has joined the race," Perminov said.
He pointed out that RKK Energia would be appointed flagship contractor.
Perminov noted that the Cliper proper would constitute the second stage of the program. The first stage will show whether the Clipper will have to be modified significantly.