Manturov introduces Bakanov to Roscosmos leadership

MOSCOW. Feb 7 (Interfax) - Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, who chairs the supervisory board at Roscosmos, has introduced its new general director Dmitry Bakanov to the state corporation's top management, Manturov's secretariat said in a statement on Friday.

"I would like formally to introduce the new chief executive today, please provide full assistance in getting up to speed with a wide range of tasks of the state corporation," Manturov said at the meeting.

Bakanov previously worked for Roscosmos, he oversaw the development of the Gonets satellite system, and is familiar with the process of deploying and operating satellite groups, Manturov said.

The skills of the new director should help attain the objectives set before Roscosmos by the Russian president and government, he said.

"This, and providing a seamless link between the fundamental science and application, liaising with the state, with businesses. I am sure you will manage to fulfill the tasks of both the national project and state programs, namely: manned cosmonautics, nuclear power in space, creating reusable launch vehicles (a most important aspect), and expanding fundamental space studies together with the Academy of Sciences," Manturov said.

Bakanov's role also involves further development of spaceport infrastructure, primarily at Vostochny Cosmodrome, the official said.

"A crucial set of tasks involves developing our international cooperation, strengthening the industry's human resource potential," Manturov said.

Bakanov's predecessor Yury Borisov was relieved of duties by Russian President Vladimir Putin's decree on February 6, another decree appointed Bakanov to the post.