Russia has the first place in space launches with 45 percent of the world`s spacecraft launches conducted in 2006.

In 2006, Russia already conducted 25 launches, including a Soyuz-2-1B carrier rocket with a Fregat booster and a French Corot satellite Wednesday, the head of the agency Anatoly Perminov said. He also said that in 2007 they plan to reduce number of launches to 20.

According to Perminov about $912 million would be allocated for the Federal Space Program in 2007. The budget for the Federal Space Program in 2006 totalled $873 million.

The head of the space agency also said the US was in second place in spacecraft launches, with 18 launches conducted in 2006, while Japan and China shared third place with six launches each.

In 2007, Russia will send two piloted spacecraft and four cargo ships to the International Space Station.

“We have determined that one place in the Soyuz spacecraft will be always reserved for a Russian cosmonaut, another — for an American astronaut, and the third will be offered to space tourists,” Perminov said. “The list of space tourists from various countries has been filled in until 2008.”

The official said Russia would complete the creation of its GLONASS satellite navigation network in 2009. The system is similar to the US GPS global positioning system.

’We have no doubt that in 2009 we will complete the GLONASS network, which consists of 24 satellites, and precise navigation will be possible anywhere on Earth,’ Perminov said.

He also urged countries involved in space exploration to develop international rules for cleaning up “space garbage”.

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