News Summaries for November 29

Russian Court Extends Detention of Space Firm Chief (Source: RIA Novosti)
A Russian court on Wednesday extended the pre-trial detention of the head of an aerospace engineering firm charged with divulging sensitive space technology to China. Tsniimash-Export CEO Igor Reshetin, detained last month on charges of embezzlement and illegal transfer of state-controlled technology, will have to remain in custody for another two months. The firm run by Reshetin was set up in 1991 as the export arm of Tsniimash, a leading rocket and space technology developer incorporating Russia's mission control. The defendant is charged with transferring precision engineering technology to a Chinese corporation in violation of state export controls, and diverting 30 million rubles ($1.14 million) through schemes involving front companies.

Glonass to Become Self-Financing and Profitable in Future (Source: Itar-Tass)
Russia’s Glonass space navigation system will become self-financing and profitable in the future, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Sergei Ivanov said. “Citizens, people are the key consumers of the Glonass system. They help control this system without state donations,” he said. “The authorities and the military and industrial complex help launch this system. Later it will become self-supporting and even give profits, otherwise it is senseless to create it,” Ivanov said.

Russia to Sign Contract to Launch S.Korean Astronaut into Space (Source: RIA Novosti)
Russia will sign a contract with South Korea Dec. 7 to launch the East Asian country's first astronaut on board a Russian carrier rocket in 2008. The number of hopefuls to become South Korea's first ever astronaut has dropped from 36,000 to 30. The final candidate and one reserve will be selected soon. Two final candidates will start training at Russia's Gagarin space center near Moscow in spring 2007. "The project has the South Korean president's special support, and will serve to strengthen relations between Russia and South Korea," Panarin said, adding the project was 100% financed by Seoul.

Cost Controls Urged For US Military Space Programs (Source: SpaceDaily.com)
The United States military is being urged to take a more deliberate pace in its acquisition of high-priced satellites and other space-based equipment that are a linchpin of the 21st Century fighting force. While the sky literally appears to be the limit when it comes to new uses for satellites, the Government Accountability Office said in a report this month that Department of Defense (DOD) space programs were getting ahead of the technology that holds so much promise.

China Moon Probe Readied For Next Year Liftoff (Source: Space.com)
China’s unfolding space plans include that country’s first foray into exploration of the Moon. A Chang’e I lunar orbiter is nearing final construction, being readied for rocketing to the Moon in 2007. Preparations to launch Chang’e I—named after the Chinese goddess who flew to the Moon in a popular fairy tale—are to be completed by February for launch later next year. Among several tasks, the orbiter will provide 3D images of the Moon’s surface, chart elements on the Moon, measure the thickness of the lunar soil, as well as monitor the space environment between the Moon and Earth. Earlier accounts from China had noted that Chang’e I is headed for an April liftoff.

Last month, Xinhua reported that Chang’e I would be filled with “Moon tunes”—songs selected by public vote and a panel of experts. The songs would be broadcast to Earth via the lunar orbiter. A majority of the tunes are Chinese folk songs, with “My Wonderful Hometown” receiving top votes, followed by “I Love China,” “Singing Praises of Motherland” and 27 others.