Cosmonaut may become high-ranking Roscosmos official for first time
MOSCOW. Oct 21 (Interfax-AVN) - Russian cosmonaut Yury Lonchakov may become state secretary - deputy head of the Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos), a source in the rocket and space industry told Interfax-AVN on Monday.
"The possibility of appointing him to the post of Roscosmos state secretary is being considered," the source said.
Presently the post is held by Denis Lyskov.
Lonchakov has taken part in three space missions.
Lyskov was appointed deputy head of Roscosmos in June 2013.
Earlier Roscosmos chief Oleg Ostapenko told Interfax-AVN at Baikonur space center: "Yes, I don't conceal the fact that during this trip we discussed several options of the possible use of his potential at Roscosmos."
The official did not name the concrete post that Lonchakov might receive noting that "there are several options and we are working on them."
"It is true that I offered Yury Valentinovich [Lonchakov] the opportunity to work on my team. He did not refuse," Ostapenko said.
He said he has been on friendly terms with Lonchakov for a long time. "I know him well personally and professionally as a doctor of technical sciences and as a top category expert," he said.
Lonchakov accompanied the Roscosmos head during his visit to Baikonur. Earlier reports said that he left the cosmonauts' team even though he was already assigned for a mission. Several media reports named as the reason for his resignation an offer to join Gazprom Space Systems company.
