CEO of Russia's Energia space rocket corporation denies information about enterprise sale

MOSCOW. Aug 28 (Interfax) - The information that has appeared regarding the possible sale of the Energia space rocket corporation is not true, Energia CEO Igor Maltsev said.

"The information that has appeared in the media about discussions being underway regarding the sale of the corporation is not true. I am also not resigning as CEO and do not intend to do so," Maltsev said in a statement that Energia's press service distributed on Thursday.

"Energia continues to work steadily, fulfilling the responsibilities assigned to us. Our team's goal is to establish the regular development and production of existing and prospective products, ensuring the enterprise's stable development," he said.

The enterprise faces the tasks of managing the Russian segment of the International Space Station, creating Soyuz manned spacecraft and the Progress cargo spacecraft, he said.

"Our team has also been entrusted with the latest projects, which are-the development and production of a new manned cargo spacecraft and a new Russian orbital station, which should ensure our country's independence in space. Our team will also fulfill these tasks," Maltsev said.

Earlier, the media reported that Energia might be sold to a private investor. Their sources said Maltsev had tendered his resignation.

Maltsev was appointed CEO of Energia on May 23, Roscosmos said.

The Energia space rocket corporation is Russia's leading organization specializing in manned space systems. It manufactures Soyuz manned spacecraft and Progress resupply spacecraft. It also develops automated space and rocket systems, i.e. launch vehicles and inter-orbital transportation systems, as well as hi-tech non-space systems of various purposes.