7 Sep 2017 12:15

Russia ready to explore space together with U.S. 'unless smart guys from U.S. agencies' intervene - Putin

VLADIVOSTOK. Sept 7 (Interfax) - Russia is eyeing the exploration of deep space, including Mars, together with the United States, unless any obstacles emerge, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at the plenary session of the Eastern Economic Forum on Tuesday.

"We will be exploring deep space and conducting manned missions. In particular, we are planning to do so together with the United States, unless smart guys from various U.S. agencies intervene," Putin said.

"There is interest in such projects, including the exploration of Mars by 2030," he said.

Vostochny will become Russia's first major civilian cosmodrome a few years from now, Putin said.