I guess we kind of need one non-SpaceX thread to merge all the non-SpaceX launcher discussion, but in lieu of that...
Proton launch provider ILS embraces closer relationship with Roscosmos – Spaceflight Now
Basically: ILS, who is essentially the commercial arm of KhSC, is [again] essentially (this is Russia after all, nothing is concise...) transferring its governance away from KhSC--the manufacturer of Proton (and Angara, should that thing ever get off the ground)--to Roscosmos, who is kind of the Russian NASA.
Obviously they're really suffering from the SpaceX effect and, as one would hope from any company faced with such a competitive challenge, they're trying to make a change for the better to regain some relevance in the launcher industry. While going state-run typically is frowned upon, I think its actually a strong play in this case when you factor things like Russian politics, the way money flows in Russia, and the general non-western-ness of how it all works over there. I could imagine ILS launches being heavily subsidized in order to maintain a relevant price point.
Sidenote, tip of the hat to me for the ridiculous punctuation effort upthread.
IN other news, its a crazy rest of May for the global launch industry. PSLV went off last night and there's 4 more launches before the end of the month! Its good to be a fan of Space!
Proton launch provider ILS embraces closer relationship with Roscosmos – Spaceflight Now
Basically: ILS, who is essentially the commercial arm of KhSC, is [again] essentially (this is Russia after all, nothing is concise...) transferring its governance away from KhSC--the manufacturer of Proton (and Angara, should that thing ever get off the ground)--to Roscosmos, who is kind of the Russian NASA.
Obviously they're really suffering from the SpaceX effect and, as one would hope from any company faced with such a competitive challenge, they're trying to make a change for the better to regain some relevance in the launcher industry. While going state-run typically is frowned upon, I think its actually a strong play in this case when you factor things like Russian politics, the way money flows in Russia, and the general non-western-ness of how it all works over there. I could imagine ILS launches being heavily subsidized in order to maintain a relevant price point.
Sidenote, tip of the hat to me for the ridiculous punctuation effort upthread.
IN other news, its a crazy rest of May for the global launch industry. PSLV went off last night and there's 4 more launches before the end of the month! Its good to be a fan of Space!