MOSCOW. July 6 (Interfax) - Russian space companies are not working on projects to develop space shuttles similar to U.S. types, said Anatoly Perminov, head of the Russian space agency Roscosmos.
"No projects of this kind are being implemented by Roscosmos companies. Research institutes are only exploring this possibility," Perminov told students at an International Youth Scientific School conference at the Bauman Technical University on Monday, according to the Roscosmos website.
As new space technology is being developed, specialists must depart from long-established principles and use the most modern know-how and solutions, Perminov said. "My opinion, though, could be at variance with the opinions of academic researchers," he said.
Perminov said Russia is working on lunar projects, but did not elaborate.