MOSCOW. April 9 (Interfax-AVN) - All of Russia's communication satellites should be replaced by 2005, chief of the Russian Aviation and Space Agency Yuri Koptev told journalists on Wednesday.
"Our satellite group must be fully replaced by 2005. It is vital to understand the importance and necessity of this space information system," Koptev noted.
At present, 20 countries are able to build satellites, while 180 countries use satellite services, he said.
"Russia must continue working in this sphere. We have research and technological potential. Unless we continue working in the area, the need to use foreign satellites will arise," he said.