Roscosmos holds its course after Luna-25 setback
Roscosmos will not replace personnel following the Luna-25 accident. The project was built with a young team, and officials emphasize that it should be supported rather than halted by a single setback. The head of Roscosmos, Yuri Borisov, stressed that steady backing is essential to maintain momentum in the space program.
Borisov noted that concerns are running high within the industry as some fear workers might leave if the young team is blamed for the incident. He asserted that the opposite is true and that those involved need encouragement and stability to continue the mission with confidence.
Meanwhile, President Vladimir Putin engaged with space sector experts and outlined a national plan to advance the space industry. The government was asked to prepare a comprehensive project by July 1, 2024. In his remarks, the president indicated the first module of a Russian orbital station could be launched by 2027, and he signaled openness to expanding private space companies operating within Russia.
Putin described the Luna-25 accident as an offensive incident but affirmed that the lunar program will push forward despite this failure. He added that such outcomes occurred even under stringent regulatory requirements and modern oversight, highlighting the need for resilience in the face of setbacks.
Nathan Eismont, a lead researcher at the Russian Academy of Sciences who previously served at the Space Research Institute, commented on the technical possibility of interrupting Luna-25 engines during the transition to a pre-landing orbit. His assessment suggested that the mission design allowed for control measures that could address the critical phases without necessarily losing the overall objective. [citation: TASS]
Officials stressed that the episodes surrounding Luna-25 are being reviewed to draw lessons and strengthen future missions. The dialogue between political leadership and the scientific community emphasizes a commitment to safeguarding Russia’s long-term strategic ambitions in space exploration, including plans for an orbital station and broader participation from the private sector. The emphasis remains on continuity, stability for personnel, and a clear path forward for ongoing lunar research and planetary missions. [citation: Roscosmos press briefing]
Observers note that the approach aims to balance accountability with encouragement, ensuring that teams retain expertise while addressing technical gaps. The overarching message is that progress in space science requires patient development, rigorous testing, and steadfast leadership that sustains a growing, multinational interest in Russia’s orbital capabilities. [citation: SpaceAgencyAnalyst]