Program of cooperation with China

Russian-Chinese cooperation in space lasts for more than half a century.

In the recent history of Russia, the Intergovernmental Agreement on Cooperation in the Exploration and Use of Outer Space for Peaceful Purposes and the interdepartmental programs for development of cooperation in space activities, which have been adopted since 2001, have become the basis for the development of bilateral inter-sectoral ties.

From the very first program Glavkosmos takes an active part in their implementation.

 

 

 

The Program for Development of Cooperation in the Field of Space Activities between the State Space Corporation Roscosmos and the Chinese National Space Administration for 2018-2022 is the relevant document regulating cooperation between the two countries in the field of space exploration.

The partnership program consists of 6 sections:

  • exploration of the Moon and deep space, space sciences and related technologies;
  • satellites and their applications;
  • element base and materials;
  • remote Earth sensing;
  • monitoring of space debris and practical study of relevant issues;
  • other issues.

Apart from the general coordination of the program, Glavkosmos is the co-executor of most of its elements.

 

 

A number of thematic projects have a long-term implementation period. They can be transferred to a new program document if necessary by the decision of the Subcommittee on Space Cooperation of the Russian-Chinese Commission for the preparation of Regular Meetings of Heads of Government.

The relevant task subgroups, the Project Commission and the Common Bilateral Working Group on Cooperation in the Field of Space develop proposals for the inclusion of topical issues in the current program, when any proposals to expand the subject are received.

 

 

Interesting facts

In 2023, Glavkosmos organized the launch of 42 small spacecraft from the Vostochny cosmodrome, 39 of which were Russian. This launch set a record for Vostochny for the number of simultaneously launched Russian satellites.

Interesting facts

In 2021-2023, Glavkosmos participated in the preparation and implementation of a unique project of the State Space Corporation Roscosmos, the First Channel and the Yellow, Black and White film studio - the first in the world history feature film "The Challenge" shot in space. The company provided the main and backup crews with individual equipment: spacesuits, seats and seat liners produced by the Russian JSC Scientific and Production Enterprise Zvezda.

Interesting facts

In 2021, Glavkosmos was as a co-organizer of the Global Space Exploration Conference (GLEX-2021). The conference was held from June 14 to 18, 2021 at the Tauride Palace in St. Petersburg. The State Space Corporation Roscosmos and the International Astronautical Federation (IAF) organized the event with the assistance of the Committee for Tourism Development of St. Petersburg.

Interesting facts

In 2021, Glavkosmos was authorized by the State Space Corporation Roscosmos to search for "space tourists" - customers interested in commercial space flights.

Interesting facts

Glavkosmos took an active part in launches of the Indian satellites. In 1988, the Indian satellite IRS-1A was launched from Baikonur, soon followed by the IRS-2B and IRS-1C satellites.

Interesting facts

In 1991, Glavkosmos signed a contract for the development and delivery of a batch of cryogenic oxygen-hydrogen blocks for the third stage of the Indian GSLV rocket. Later, Glavkosmos also designed and supplied equipment for upgrading the cryogenic test facilities in Mahendragiri (ISRO test facility, India).

Interesting facts

The first truly commercial spaceflight of the Japanese journalist Toyohiro Akiyama was performed under the contract between Glavkosmos and Tokyo Broadcasting System (TBS in December of 1990).

Interesting facts

In 1987, Glavkosmos started coordinating international human spaceflight projects under contracts with Interkosmos: the first Syrian cosmonaut Muhammed Faris flew to the Mir space station.

Interesting facts

In 2015 Glavkosmos contributed to the implementation of the contract between KazCosmos and Roscosmos - the first cosmonaut of the independent Kazakhstan Aidyn Aimbetov flew to the International space station (ISS).

Interesting facts

In 2019, Glavkosmos participated in preparation of the mission of Hazzaa Al Mansoori, the first astronaut from UAE, who flew to the International space station (ISS) and safely returned to Earth.

Interesting facts

On July 15, 1975 Soyuz-19 spaceship was lifted aboard Soyuz-U launch vehicle. It was the first international space flight with the docking of Apollo, a US spaceship. The famous Soyuz-Apollo docking was a historical event and a symbol of rapprochement between the two superpowers in the period of detente during the long-lasting Cold War.

Interesting facts

On April 4, 2019, Glavkosmos JSC, under a contract with Arianespace, launched four communication satellites of O3b Networks, a subsidiary of Luxembourg-based satellite communications operator SES. The name O3b stands for "Other 3 billions", which refers to the world's population, where broadband Internet is not available right now. Thanks to the O3b satellites, the Internet will come to them.

Interesting facts

Soyuz-2.1a became the first rocket launched from the new Russian space center Vostochny. The historical launch was conducted on April 28, 2016.