Roscosmos (Russian: Роскосмос) is the Russian space agency. It was established in 1992 as the successor to the Soviet space program, and is now responsible for the launch and operation of Russian spacecraft and satellites, as well as research into cosmonautics and space technology.
The agency’s headquarters are located in Moscow, with additional facilities in other parts of Russia. Roscosmos also has a strong presence at the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, where most Russian launches take place.
Roscosmos is one of the largest space agencies in the world, with a budget of over $5 billion USD per year. The agency employs over 30,000 people, including engineers, scientists, doctors, and support staff.
Roscosmos’ main mission is to explore and develop outer space for peaceful purposes. The agency’s top priorities include conducting science experiments aboard the International Space Station (ISS), launching robotic probes to explore distant planets and asteroids, developing new technologies for future missions, and training astronauts for future exploration missions beyond low Earth orbit.
In recent years Roscosmos has been involved in several high-profile international collaborations, including NASA’s Mars exploration program and China’s Lunar Exploration Program. These programs offer opportunities for Russian scientists and engineers to work with their counterparts from other nations on some of the most ambitious projects in human history.