"Russian cosmonautics has lost all the glory of Yuri Gagarin" - french newspaper

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Starting with the flight of Yuri Gagarin on April 12, 1961 and ending with the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian cosmonautics was at the peak of its development, and the country had an almost indisputable authority in space exploration. However, now the glory of Russia as a space power, according to experts from the oldest French newspaper Le Figaro, has noticeably faded.

In the three decades that have passed since the collapse of the USSR, Russia cannot boast of great success in the space industry. These undoubtedly include satellite launches using the Soyuz carrier rocket, refueling space stations and manned flights. However, the space industry is now burdened with a number of intractable problems, the burden of which does not allow it to move forward.



Among such obstacles to the development of Russian cosmonautics, the French publication sees: lack of strategic vision, corruption, management flaws, lack of funds and the required level of industrial development, the consequences of international sanctions. Meanwhile, competing pressures are mounting - China, the United States and the European Space Agency are making very impressive strides. Russia, on the other hand, has reformatted Roskosmos since 2015, while reducing its funding.

We do not have a new spacecraft or a new rocket. We were unable to get to the moon. We are trying to send a station there and dream of getting to Mars ... But all initiatives remain only in words. Our best specialists left us long ago

- noted with regret the cosmonaut of the 70s-80s Viktor Savinykh.

It is even more distressing that after the launch in 2020 of the Falcon 9 launch vehicle of the American corporation Space X, Russia lost its monopoly on the delivery of people and goods to the ISS. The federal program is designed until 2025, the life of the International Space Station will end in 2030, and the Russian Federation will have nowhere to send astronauts. Russia does not have a coherent space program, and it has lost its leadership in this area.
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    1. GRF
      +3
      29 March 2021 18: 52
      The glory of the discoverer will never fade, even if the light-faced ones show incredible jumps on Jupiter ...
      So praise yourself and your swamp better, because the news of your "achievements" leaking out of it smells very bad ...
      We have enough indistinct to surprise.
    2. 123
      +6
      29 March 2021 19: 36
      What is it for? Why are they so concerned about us? Maybe the French have any problems in astronautics?
      China, the United States and the European Space Agency are wonderful, they modestly kept silent about their achievements. When will advanced Europeans not burdened with corruption and flaws in the leadership, but with normal funding on their rocket, will send an astronaut into space?
      And our "space asphalt paver" is slowly but inexorably bringing the future closer. Now a stand is being assembled for vacuum testing of manned spacecraft. They say the Eagle is going to test it. Probably this also explains the timing. Building infrastructure.
      And this is what the French think about this.

      https://inosmi.ru/politic/20210329/249443833.html
      1. +5
        29 March 2021 19: 48
        What is it for? Why are they so concerned about us? Maybe the French have any problems in astronautics?

        French spacecraft of different classes have filled the entire near-earth space and are rushing into the vastness of the universe. lol

        Another stupid hit.
        1. 123
          +2
          29 March 2021 21: 56
          Another stupid hit.

          It looks like Yes
        2. -4
          30 March 2021 04: 52
          French spacecraft of various classes filled the entire near-earth space and torn into the vastness of the universe.

          Well, there are more European research missions to other planets and bodies of the solar system than Russian ones.

          For example.

          Orbital station "Cassini" - the first artificial satellite of Saturn. The automatic station Huygens is the first spacecraft to make a soft landing in the Outer Solar System (on Saturn's moon Titan).

          Space probe "Rosetta" - as part of the program on November 12, 2014, the world's first soft landing of a descent vehicle on the surface of a comet took place.

          Russia can boast of such projects?
          1. 0
            April 6 2021 15: 57
            All these projects are fake and bullshit.
      2. -4
        30 March 2021 04: 40
        China, USA and European Space Agency this is wonderful, they modestly kept silent about their achievements.

        The French are also part of ESA. Actually, it is France that makes the main contribution to ESA.

        And we have a "space asphalt paver" slowly but relentlessly brings the future closer.

        Really implacable?
        1. 123
          +2
          30 March 2021 09: 41
          Really implacable?

          That is how Yes
          So when will advanced advanced European space explorers send an astronaut into space on their spacecraft?
          1. -2
            30 March 2021 10: 34
            So when will advanced advanced European space explorers send an astronaut into space on their spacecraft?

            And when will the great space power Russia send its research mission to Saturn?
            1. 123
              +3
              30 March 2021 11: 16
              And when will the great space power Russia send its research mission to Saturn?

              It is not known, perhaps not earlier than the French will make a manned spacecraft. But for some reason we have a lot of problems and we do not know where we are going, but everything is fine with them.
              1. -1
                30 March 2021 11: 22
                The problem is that the Soviet / Russian cosmonautics initially focused on the development of both manned and research programs. Of this, only manned remains, and even then there is no particular use from it.

                When ESA was formed, the agency was not given the task of its own European manned program. For the delivery of its astronauts, Europe collaborated with the United States, and threw the saved funds on research tasks.
                1. 123
                  +3
                  30 March 2021 11: 36
                  The problem is that the Soviet / Russian cosmonautics initially focused on the development of both manned and research programs. Of this, only manned remains, and even then there is no particular use from it.

                  Are there any benefits from other manned programs?

                  When ESA was formed, the agency was not given the task of its own European manned program. For the delivery of its astronauts, Europe collaborated with the United States, and threw the saved funds on research tasks.

                  Why didn't they set such a task? They are not capable of this? Why don't they save even more and collaborate with the United States for research missions?
                  If they skimp on manned space and focus on research, then that is wise and wonderful. If Russia focuses on the manned program and saves on research, by the way cooperating with the very ESA, is it wrong and stupid?
                  If a manned program is not important, then what about the United States and other countries? All this is nonsense and Musk is doing the same thing by the way? Or is it different?
                  In general, either a cross or underpants .... choose.
                  Goodbye, it's boring to disassemble your cockroaches in your head.
                  1. -3
                    30 March 2021 12: 19
                    Are there any benefits from other manned programs?

                    From the American (and jointly with them Japanese and European) thanks to the good equipment of the western segment of the ISS with scientific and production equipment - yes, there is. The Russian research module "Science" on Earth, which significantly reduces the useful impact of the flights of Russian cosmonauts.

                    Why didn't they set such a task?

                    Due to limited resources.

                    Why don't they save even more and collaborate with the United States for research missions?

                    Collaborate while realizing their own.

                    If Russia focuses on the manned program and saves on research, cooperating with the ESA, by the way, is this wrong and stupid? If the manned program is not important, then what about the United States and other countries? All this is nonsense and Musk is doing the same thing by the way? Or is it different?

                    Launching astronauts just for the sake of launching astronauts without any research goals - yes, it's stupid. Russian cosmonauts have too limited research capabilities. They, of course, carry out some research work in orbit, but without a full-fledged scientific module, it is greatly curtailed.

                    In the United States, the manned program on the ISS has a return in the form of scientific research, development of production processes in orbit. To do this, they have a well-equipped science module.

                    Manned flights under the Artemis program are also aimed at starting the practical exploration of the Moon.

                    Musk has a manned program aimed at the practical exploration of Mars.

                    For Russia, so far the manned program is mainly an end in itself. Well, plus support for the station's performance.

                    In general, either a cross or underpants .... choose.

                    You do not need to choose anything, everything is described above.
                    1. 123
                      +2
                      30 March 2021 13: 34
                      From the American (and jointly with them Japanese and European) thanks to the good equipment of the western segment of the ISS with scientific and production equipment - yes, there is. The Russian research module "Science" on Earth, which significantly reduces the useful impact of the flights of Russian cosmonauts.

                      They fly there exclusively to study science and the Russians play the balalaika?
                      In the recent past, for about ten years, all these joint American-Japanese and other European researchers could observe the good equipment of the ISS through a telescope.
                      What is such a useful return from the Europeans many times higher than the Russian one?
                      Perhaps you are right about something, you need to get rid of all these "associates" let them invent their own trampoline.

                      Due to limited resources.

                      That is, Europe allocates a limited amount of financial resources for space? Everything is good and nothing special Yes And this despite its economic opportunities. fellow And at the same time we groan that Russia is badly funding space? laughing

                      Collaborate while realizing their own.

                      They cooperate not only with them, but also with us. And Russia implements its own by cooperating with them. But they are great at the same time, and we are not?

                      Launching astronauts just for the sake of launching astronauts without any research goals - yes, it's stupid. Russian cosmonauts have too limited research capabilities. They, of course, carry out some research work in orbit, but without a full-fledged scientific module, it is greatly curtailed.

                      And who told you that they are launching space for the sake of launching? Indeed, with the module, the possibilities expand. But it's okay in saving and cooperating with other participants, you don't see anything, do you?

                      In the United States, the manned program on the ISS has a return in the form of scientific research, development of production processes in orbit. To do this, they have a well-equipped science module.
                      Manned flights under the Artemis program are also aimed at starting the practical exploration of the Moon.
                      Musk has a manned program aimed at the practical exploration of Mars.

                      How interesting laughing So the Americans are working out the production processes and the Russians are just skating? You sometimes poison your cockroaches in your head sad
                      According to Artemis, they have been cutting the budget for a decade and a half on these programs and the edge is not visible.

                      For Russia, so far the manned program is mainly an end in itself. Well, plus support for the station's performance.

                      In my opinion you have Russophobia and bias caused by Kholui urges from your ears already climbs.

                      Musk has a manned program aimed at the practical exploration of Mars.

                      And How? Have you mastered it? While he is mastering money ... mostly smile

                      What does basically mean? People are doing the same thing by doing, but place "accents" and say that they mostly work, and these mostly do not.
                      Your bias is obvious, you cannot communicate anything concrete, you only place "accents" as you see it. I consider further discussion pointless, therefore, I close the topic. Goodbye.
    3. +3
      29 March 2021 19: 37
      "The oldest newspaper" will not say bad things!
      Don't argue with her, but cry right away ... !!!
    4. +1
      29 March 2021 20: 32
      It's unpleasant to read. Because the French see the achievements of the United States and China, while Russia has only projects. And for there to be achievements, you need to invest, not cut funding. And then there is no money! Personally, I am not interested in either the Moon or Mars. I am interested in everything related to military security. And first of all, it is necessary to allocate money for this and not regret it. And the Moon and Mars are on the residual principle.
      1. +4
        29 March 2021 20: 47
        Personally, I am not interested in the Moon or Mars. I am interested in everything related to military security. And first of all, it is necessary to allocate money for this and not regret it. And the Moon and Mars are on the residual principle.

        I agree, all these long-distance expeditions do not give an answer, but for what exactly ??

        However, GLONAS functions, including for military purposes.

        https://www.glonass-iac.ru/GLONASS/
        1. -2
          30 March 2021 04: 55
          I agree, all these long-distance expeditions do not give an answer, but for what exactly ??

          There can be no fundamental science without these long-distance expeditions. Without fundamental science, there can be no further practical exploration of outer space.
          1. GRF
            +4
            30 March 2021 07: 06
            There is no need to harness the sleigh in front of the horses, now, while we are puffing over promising space engines, the Russians are harnessing for a long time, but they are going fast. We have proven long ago that when we need to - the first ones, and we don't need to constantly tear our navel, let others sweat ...
            In addition, for fundamental science, we still have something to do without the Titans.
            1. -5
              30 March 2021 07: 27
              There is no need to harness the sleigh in front of the horses, now, while we are puffing over promising space engines, the Russians are harnessing for a long time, but they are going fast.

              First, while Russia is puffing only over promising engines, others are using conventional and successful research programs.

              Secondly, not only Russia is "puffing" over promising engines.

              We have proven long ago that when we need to - the first ones, and we don't need to constantly tear our navel, let others sweat ...

              First place is very, very easy to give up to others. But it is very difficult to win it back. And the first place here is not just an abstract regalia, but a completely pragmatic opportunity to stake out the fattest piece.
    5. +4
      30 March 2021 03: 35
      The French, as always, are out of touch with reality. The United States has a lot of debts and has no money, they bang lard for space PR. The Chinese are trying to continue to develop fundamental research in the field of astronautics, but I doubt that their competence has managed to catch up with the experience of Russia. I am completely silent about Europe, a miserable trash heap.
    6. -3
      30 March 2021 04: 37
      It is even more distressing that after the launch of the Falcon 2020 launch vehicle in 9 the American corporation Space X Russia has lost its monopoly on the delivery of people and goods to the ISS.

      Falcon 9 was launched in 2010. In 2020, the manned Cru Dragon was launched.

      Russia has never had a monopoly on the delivery of cargo to the ISS - apart from Progress and cargo Dragons (which also started flying in 2010-2011), cargo to the ISS was delivered by the Japanese Konotori and European ATVs. Then another "Signus" was connected.
    7. +3
      30 March 2021 04: 48
      About the country, which we will think about to be a developed state, but here it will never be an empire, we have already passed.
      About a gas station with an economy torn to shreds has already passed.
      And here we will survive.
      The restoration of competencies against the background of the loss of technology in the "holy 90s" and then, against the background of broken technological chains, takes time.
      And how many years it took Sergei Pavlovich to rethink the experience of German designers, supplement it and develop it.
      Be that as it may, astronauts are not launched on the ISS by trampolines, but by the Unions.
      1. -5
        30 March 2021 06: 58
        And how many years it took Sergei Pavlovich to rethink the experience of German designers, supplement it and develop it.

        Only 16 years - from 1945 to 1961. And this is subject to a much more difficult financial situation after the Second World War.

        Be that as it may, astronauts are not launched on the ISS by trampolines, but by the Unions.

        Thanks to Korolyov for them. But the time of the "Unions" will pass one way or another. What will happen after?
    8. +5
      30 March 2021 04: 52
      The glory of our Soviet First Cosmonaut of the Earth, Yuri Gagarin, will forever remain with us and it can neither be erased nor lost!
      However, all local anti-Soviet and foreign spiteful critics are well aware of this, because the cosmic glory of the Soviet Major Yuri Gagarin still “hurts their eyes with envy”, like April 12, 1961! Yes
      "Experts of the oldest French newspaper" are newspaper experts, but clearly NOT space experts (otherwise they would have worked in the "oldest French cosmonautics"!)! winked
      Yes, and with derogatory French "newspaper assessments" about astronautics in general, because it turns out like in that saying-

      "who is talking about what, and lousy about the bath", wouldn’t he boast of his own French successes, without sidetracking and nodding at others ?!
      smile
    9. +1
      30 March 2021 08: 06
      A strange country, strange people. You will somehow decide the enemies are not enemies ... And then they fail, then they are normal again, but not for long ...
    10. +3
      30 March 2021 12: 05
      Delightful analysis !!!
      Well show us an example monsieur. How is ESA doing?
      We look at the statistics for 2020 - 5 launches. One of them is emergency. Vega burned out. By the way, this is the second accident of this European rocket in 2 years. 2 emergency starts out of three. Since August 2020, not a single launch. There are no launches, but the aplomb is not to be missed. Ariane 6 will not fly this year. What a pity. Now they promise to launch in 2022. But given that this is the fourth transfer, it is not a fact that it will fly in 2022. But ESA boastfully promised from using the Unions, after the commissioning of Arian 6. But something went wrong. And Arian6, developed since 2006, “damn it doesn't fly” Or maybe it’s better to remain a rocket on paper, and not in the form of ash as from “flying“ Vega ”on the heads of such analysts.
    11. +3
      30 March 2021 14: 07
      Another French rag wrote another nonsense. There is nothing more to write about.)))
    12. +1
      30 March 2021 14: 37
      Wait, China's alliance with Russia in space could be quite fruitful. As O. Bender said - Gasoline is yours, our ideas!
    13. +2
      30 March 2021 15: 51
      Only 16 years - from 1945 to 1961. And this is subject to a much more difficult financial situation after the Second World War.

      The management system made it possible to highlight the most priority areas and concentrate maximum efforts on them, neglecting the values ​​of the democratic world, which cannot be done now without screaming and groaning both from abroad and inside, from citizens dissatisfied with toilets in the yard, lack of gasification, the opportunity to travel to the sea and eat popcorn at the cinema.

      But the time of the "Unions" will pass one way or another. What will happen after?

      The work is in progress. More than 1000 enterprises of various ministries and departments throughout the Union worked on the dream of the Soviet people and S. P. Korolev. There were both victories and defeats. And now the work is in progress. Many things have to be restored, many have to be restarted.
      PS And why can't the USA fly to the moon again? Planning and planning everything? And do they buy RD?
    14. The comment was deleted.
    15. +1
      April 5 2021 06: 51
      We've really lost a lot. But far from everything. If we understand and remember that the USSR and then Russia were destroyed for ruin and plunder, but not for positive development, then we should be proud of the achievements in space that we have had in the past 20 years.
    16. 0
      April 10 2021 06: 37
      And what about French astronautics? request