Russia builds new Star Wars program

The country`s military have promised to roll out a space-based strategic defense system by the end of the year.

The first part of the reform is an amalgamation of space forces and air defense forces to form united air space troops.

"First we will set up the air and space defense command on the basis of the units that already exist. This phase will be completed by 2016," said the head of the Federation Council`s Defense and Security Committee, Viktor Ozerov.

Space control systems of the Russian Space Forces may be able to help divert asteroids, said Space Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko.

The next steps concern new space weapons, such as satellites and rockets. "We are fulfilling the program to further develop the first echelon of the Missile Attack Warning System," Ostapenko said.

There will be six test flights of Russia`s prospective spaceship, a source in the aerospaceindustry told Interfax.

Although there is a temporary ban on space launches following a series of failures, Space Forces plan to test the new light-class launcher, the Soyuz-2-1B, by the end of 2011.

Soyuz-2-1B is a two-stage light-class carrier rocket, intended to be used in launching satellites adjustedto launches with carrier rockets. Its launch weight is 158 tonnes and maximum length is 44 meters.

Light and medium models of the Angara booster are planned to be launched in 2013.

The Energia Aerospace Corporationis also developinga spaceship that will carry six astronauts into orbit with a self-sustaining period offive days.

Russia is also modernizing the land segment of the missile-attack warningsystem.

"The Armavir radar station is on a trial run and will soon be put on combat duty," said Space Forces Commander Lt. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko.

Another radar station has been built in Kaliningrad, while construction of the Irkutsk radar station is on schedule.

The initiatives come at the behest of the president, who highlighted the need for these during his annual address.

sections: Society