Intentions and failures. Fundamental space investigations in Russia of the last twenty years. Twenty years of fruitless efforts

Abstract

This contribution provides the history of Russian planetary exploration over the past 15–20 years. Despite particular interesting ideas and accomplishments, little encouragement can be derived from those activities. Over these years, no lunar and planetary missions took place in Russia, whereas the United States, European countries, China, Japan, and India sent dozens of spacecrafts, which allowed them to make considerable progress in the exploration of the solar system. Despite hefty funding, none of three deep space astrophysical observatories of the Spektr series was launched. The main reasons for this—incompetence and lack of responsibility—are just part of an overall disturbing trend, which can be observed not only in space activities but also in many other parts of our life. Therefore, this book is not only targeted at specialists from the space sector and science, but will also be useful to many readers who are interested in the situation in their own country. The author hopes this book will help those who want to learn lessons from painful failures and provide basis for improving management practices in the future.