Russia has started development of new version of manned Space Station

Russia has started the development of a new version of the space station to replace Mir station, which was removed from the orbit. This information was given by pilot-cosmonaut Aleksander Lazutkin in his exclusive interview to RIA Novosti. He also remarked that the feasibility study of an expedition to Mars is also under way. Mr. Lazutkin said that works under the program of International Space Station are marking time. According to his words, they might be useful only for the development of international cooperation. He disproved the common opinion that USA can, allegedly, "force Russia out of the ISS program". According to Mr. Lazutkin, "specialists from other countries are certain that no station can be built without the Russians". Mr. Lazutkin stressed that "nobody can work in space the way the Russians do".

Visit www.rian.ru for RIA 'Novosti' news.