Russia should learn from the failure of the Fobos-Grunt spacecraft last year and send another probe to Mars, space agency chief Vladimir Popovkin said, RIA-Novosti reported Monday.
"The 'Fobos-Grunt' project should be repeated because its relevance hasn't disappeared," Popovkin said.
Fobos-Grunt, launched in November, was Russia's first interplanetary probe in 15 years.
An engine malfunction shortly after liftoff prevented the $161 million spacecraft from reaching the necessary orbit, and the device later crashed into the Pacific Ocean.
A string of similar failures in recent years has raised questions about the capabilities of Russia's space industry. Experts say financing and standards have fallen since Soviet times.
The space agency is ready to consider including a second Fobos-Grunt probe in its plans for the period from 2016-2025, Popovkin said.
Russia has two robotic missions to the moon in the works, including a lander slated for 2017-2018 that will study the soil of the moon's southern hemisphere, he said.
Related articles:
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.