Russia plans Soyuz rocket replacement

[James]

Russia's struggling space agency has unveiled a new programme that will see the creation of a replacement for the ageing Soyuz rocket by 2020.

The $70-billion plan published over the weekend on the website of the Russian Space Agency (Roscosmos) also envisions the launch of new unmanned missions to the Moon and beyond.

One of the biggest priorities is assigned to finding a replacement for the Soyuz -- the backbone of Russian space travel since...read more here: Russia plans Soyuz rocket replacement

 

[czc]

So both the Americans and Russians in for new shuttle programs now. Now we can have some progress into space. Although this really gives Elon Musk's company SpaceX an edge to get ahead of the competition. Like the East India Company but going into space.

 

[James]

Private enterprise in space will be interesting, but what will drive them? At this stage it's government contracts and tourism. It'll really get interesting when we start fighting over resources found on the Moon, or try to tether passing steroids to harvest the minerals in them.

 

[czc]

Private enterprise in space will be interesting, but what will drive them? At this stage it's government contracts and tourism. It'll really get interesting when we start fighting over resources found on the Moon, or try to tether passing steroids to harvest the minerals in them.

Well once more development starts happening in space I'm sure they will be kept busy ferrying goods into space, which might be government contracts. But if there is money to be made private business will get involved.

 

[MalicE]

Private enterprise in space will be interesting, but what will drive them? At this stage it's government contracts and tourism. It'll really get interesting when we start fighting over resources found on the Moon, or try to tether passing steroids to harvest the minerals in them.

HAHAHAHA! that's funny

 

[Ike_009]

The private space is off to a great start. They've got spaceport up and running and spaceX has docked on the ISS. They also have military contracts and deals with NASA so its safe to say they have a secure client base already.
Tickets could cost roughly $150 000 to get into space for your next holiday. Accommodation on the ISS will cost extra.

 

[Crzwaco]

Private enterprise in space will be interesting, but what will drive them? At this stage it's government contracts and tourism. It'll really get interesting when we start fighting over resources found on the Moon, or try to tether passing steroids to harvest the minerals in them.

Rare metals will drive them that may or may not be in asteroids.