Even though Russia's rocket industry is forced to operate under Western sanctions, thought these punitive measures can eventually do the industry more good than harm, Russia's deputy prime minister, Dmitry Rogozin, Interfax-AVN reports on Saturday.
"Russia's space rocket industry and other innovative sectors are working under sanctions today," Rogozin stated at the Khrunichev space center that is currently developing the newest Angara rocket.
"This is something new that has stormed our life, creating conditions which are not quite civil in their essence. It is an instance of unfair competition. I am convinced, however, that we will win in the long run," Rogozin said.
However, Rogozin added that "one can't be slack in the 21st century, where geopolitics are becoming increasingly predatory."
He called rocket developers equals to rank-and-file military officers and generals, saying that the "tasks being tackled by the rocket industry not only bring Russia prestige and authority, but also strengthens its positions which everyone will take into account."
As to sanctions, Rogozin stated that they mainly cover the industry's dependence on foreign-made radiation-resistant electronic components.
"This doesn't involve component imports from Ukraine and other countries as much as the development of our own radiation-resistant electronic components. This makes what I would call second aspect of the import substitution plan, of which the president will soon be informed in detail. Roscosmos and companies within the Industry and Trade Ministry's competence are working on it," Rogozin said.
He also announced that the government is drawing up a budget for 2015-17. "As we are getting involved in this work we are becoming increasingly aware of the importance to economize on material resources. We are well aware of the situation taking shape around our country," Rogozin assured.
