Today, March 5, the public report of the Head of the State Space Agency of Ukraine Volodymyr Taftay for the last year took place. According to the results of economic activity, it was not the best: the volume of production and sales decreased compared to 2019, and even more so in 2018. The coronavirus situation made its unexpected adjustments, which affected economic indicators both in Ukraine and in the world as a whole. Unfortunately, there is still no current National Scientific and Technical Space Program of Ukraine for 2021-2025.
One of the main areas of work of the DCA is international cooperation.
“We cooperate with 30 countries, international agreements have been signed with 28 countries, we participate in the work of 12 international organizations. Last year, the Agreement on the Principles of Cooperation under the Artemis Program, the Program of Ukrainian-Chinese Cooperation in Space for 2021-2025 was signed. Integration into the European Space Agency is important for us, “Volodymyr Taftay stressed.
Among the most important tasks that were achieved in 2020, the Chairman of the SCA called the creation of space equipment for export. The material part of the main structure of the first stage up to 2 Antares launch vehicles (USA), 2 blocks of fourth stage propulsion engines for Vega launch vehicles (EU) were made, 2 Antares launch vehicles and 2 Vega launch vehicles were launched. The geography of exports of our enterprises is as follows: most products are exported to the United States – 36.4%, Saudi Arabia – 34%, China – 9.9%, Korea – 8.4%, the EU – 5.7%.
The National Center for Space Management and Testing is successfully operating among state-owned enterprises and organizations within the scope of SCA management. Currently, work is underway to prepare for the management of the spacecraft “Sich 2-1”. In addition, last year NCUVKZ performed modernization and creation of technical means, namely: terrestrial segment of remote sensing systems, creation of a radar station for space control, put into operation a modernized RT-32 radio telescope, increased in Ukraine the area covered by stations Coordinate-time system and navigation support. During the year, more than 5,200 remote sensing sessions were received from foreign satellites. Various analytical information was provided to higher state bodies (Cabinet of Ministers, MoD, GUR) and all interested consumers (farmers, weather forecasters, scientists).
Volodymyr Taftay focused on the implementation of measures related to the storage and disposal of harmful and dangerous components of liquid rocket fuel (heptyl) and other programs, including the launch of a domestic satellite to the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence.
Funds from the state budget were not allocated last year for the creation of the space satellite for remote sensing of the Earth (remote sensing) “Sich 2-1”. The state enterprise CB Pivdenne performed the work at its own working capital. Preparations are underway for the signing of a contract with the American company SpaceX Ilona Maska for the launch of a domestic spacecraft at the end of this year.
“Signing a contract is a procedure of more than one day,” said Volodymyr Taftay, Chairman of the State Tax Administration. There are a lot of technical issues behind this, everything needs to be agreed. The contract has not been received yet. “
The rocket and space industry is awaiting reform, – said the Chairman of the SCA, because the companies were established not 10-20 years ago, but in Soviet times, based on the goals and objectives of that period. Now the tasks facing the industry are completely different. So reform and optimization are inevitable.
After the Public Report, representatives of the media, independent experts, teachers of the National Aviation University addressed the Head of the State Space Agency with suggestions, wishes and questions. In particular, they were interested in supporting joint educational projects, startups and other projects.
