Roscosmos

Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, commonly known as Roscosmos, is the Russian government body responsible for civil space activities and the country’s space exploration program. It oversees the development, production, and operation of spacecraft, launch vehicles, and related infrastructure, and coordinates Russia’s participation in international space projects. Roscosmos is a 100% state-owned organization and operates under the oversight of the Russian government.

History and structure

Roscosmos traces its origins to the Russian Space Agency, established in 1992 after the dissolution of the Soviet space program. In 1999 it was reorganized as the Federal Space Agency, often referred to as Roscosmos, and in 2015 it was reconstituted as the Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities. The company is based in Moscow and manages a network of spaceports, facilities, and industrial enterprises involved in Russia’s space activities.

Major programs and assets

Roscosmos oversees Russia’s human spaceflight program, using Soyuz spacecraft to transport crew to space and Progress vehicles for cargo to space stations. It develops and operates the Angara family of launch vehicles and supports ongoing orbital and planetary science missions. Key infrastructure includes launch facilities at Baikonur Cosmodrome (operated under lease agreements) and Vostochny Cosmodrome, as well as the GLONASS global navigation satellite system.

International role

Roscosmos collaborates with other space agencies on scientific research, satellite missions, and joint launches, and is a partner in the International Space Station program. The agency’s activities reflect Russia’s ongoing role in civil space exploration, satellite technology, and space science within the international community.