Construction of Russia's Vostochny Cosmodrome will come under direct state control following an order signed by Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev that gives the government authority to appoint and fire the project's top managers.
"This decision will enable us to improve the efficiency of the directorate's management and address the main problems in the creation of the Vostochny Cosmodrome," the government said in a statement Thursday.
Russia currently launches most of its space missions from the Soviet-era Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, from which it rents the facility for $115 million annually. There have been periodic spats between Moscow and Astana over Russia's use of the facility, prompting Russia to build a new spaceport to ensure its unfettered access to space.
This consideration led President Vladimir Putin to declare the new spaceport, located in the Amur region of Russia's Far East, to be a project of national importance in 2012. Since then, construction has fallen behind by about two months, jeopardizing the promised first launch from the cosmodrome at the end of next year.
In September, Putin visited Vostochny and stripped the Federal Space Agency of direct oversight over the construction effort. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin — who oversees the space industry — was put in charge of the project.
Putin also pledged an additional 50 billion rubles ($1 billion) to Vostochny. Construction has already cost about 100 billion rubles ($2 billion), and Putin warned that the government was keeping a close eye on the project's spending.
In late October, the Investigative Committee arrested Yury Khrizman, the former head of one of the cosmodrome's main contractors, for embezzling 1.8 billion rubles ($39 million).
Rogozin has gradually taken a more hands-on approach to dealing with Vostochny's problems. Earlier this year he installed cameras throughout the vast construction site to spy on "slackers" impeding the construction efforts.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.