MOSCOW. Dec 1 (Interfax-AVN) - The Russian Federal Space Agency calls for not exaggerating the competition in the international space market, and stands for international cooperation in space, Agency head Anatoly Perminov told reporters on Wednesday.
"Let's take it calmly that many countries are engaged in space activities. At the present time a total of 47 states are involved in space activities, with 23 of them being quite active. Thus, competition is quite possible, but a standoff is out of the question. The greater the international cooperation is, the greater all states will benefit," Perminov said.
For instance, according to him, the Russian side has unique experience in manned space flights, and is ready to share it with any interested countries.
"These issues have been discussed in the course of my recent visit to Chile and Brazil. There is certain interest in it, and we are ready to provide services in this sphere, given the financial issues are settled," Perminov said.
He said that the Federal Space Agency had submitted its proposals on participation in the U.S. Moon Program.
"I suggested that the NASA head send experts to the Baikonur Space Center for them to familiarize themselves with the sate of the Energia heavy rocket launch system, and assess the prospects of its restoration and joint employment for constructing an international spaceport. The commission completed its work in October, and we are waiting for the results now," Perminov said.
However, according to him, it would be premature to talk about Russia's participation in the Moon Program.
"The very Moon Program has not been defied yet. Save for major guidelines, its scope, timeframe, and funding are yet to be defined," Perminov said.
He was also quite skeptical about the deadline of the European GALILEO navigation satellite system program.
"The plan adopted by the European Space Agency on establishing GALILEO by the deadline specified, i.e. by 2007, is not real. It is clear to everyone, no matter what funds are invested," Perminov said.