[FPSPACE] Semyonov: Progress Launch a Generous "Good Will Gesture"

[JamesOberg@aol.com]

   Rocket builder Energiya reports dearth of funds for ISS program
       BAIKONUR. Aug 7 (Interfax-Kazakhstan) - The Russian Energiya rocket- 
building
corporation "doesn't have spacecraft for the International Space Station 
[ISS] paid for by
the state," Energiya President Yuri Semyonov told Interfax on Monday.
       The launch of the Zvezda service module by a Proton booster-rocket 
from the
Baikonur cosmodrome on July 12 and the lift-off of a Soyuz-U rocket carrying 
the
Progress-M1-3 cargo ship up to the ISS on Sunday were goodwill gestures on 
the part of
Energiya, Semyonov said.
       In his opinion, he noted, the present situation could well have a 
negative impact on
the program for constructing and running the space station.
       Semyonov went on to say that this serious problem should be ironed out 
together
with the Russian government. The corporation recognizes its responsibilities 
under the
new space program, "but can no longer stake everything," he said, pointing 
out that the
government owes Energiya about $40 million.
       However, the Progress-M1-4 cargo craft should be launched with a 
Energiya
booster-rocket in September in the framework of the ISS project. A Soyuz-TM 
space
vehicle is also due to fly up to the ISS on October 30, carrying the first 
Russian-U.S.
crew to the orbiting station.