Roscosmos does not see reusable rocket stage as priority
MOSCOW. March 31 (Interfax) - A reusable LV first stage is not a priority of Russia's rocket and space industry, Roscosmos spokesman Igor Burenkov said.
"Reusability is a chiefly economic matter, so we should make a profound feasibility study. Actually, we have neither forgotten nor neglected this area, and Khrunichev Center continues its research. However, this is not today's priority," Burenkov told the Echo of Moscow radio in an interview, speaking of the reused stage of a Falcon 9 launch vehicle.
Roscosmos is focused "on preserving and enlarging the Russian satellite cluster, creating new launch vehicles, and developing new engines," he said.
At the same time, Burenkov acknowledged that the SpaceX achievement is "keynote and very serious."
"They have successfully accomplished their tasks," the Roscosmos spokesman said.
SpaceX reused the first stage of a Falcon 9 launch vehicle on Thursday for the first time in history.