Russia is pressing ahead with plans to consolidate its space industry, according to Russian state-run media reports.
Russia’s United Rocket and Space Corp. is drafting plans to create a holding company that would bring together several rocket engine manufacturers, including NPO Energomash, which builds the RD-180.
Russia is also moving ahead with plans to merge that corporation with the federal space agency, Roscosmos.
Russia is also planning to develop a new rocket to replace the Soyuz. Development of the new medium-class rocket, named Fenix, would begin in 2018, although reports do not indicate when the vehicle would be ready to enter service. Russia’s new 10-year space plan has earmarked $600 million toward the development of the vehicle.
