Russia's single space system to track missile launches globally

Moscow, Feb 3 (UNI) A single space system, to be formed in Russia by the end of 2011, will help spot rocket launches globally, Space Forces Commander Col General Vladimir Popovkin said today.

''After the single space system is commissioned, the early-warning system will become even more effective,'' he told Interfax-AVN military news agency.

''With the single space system attached, in addition to tracking the launches of inter-continental ballistic missiles and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, the early-warning system will be capable of spotting the launches of operative-tactical and tactical missiles, including in countries that aspire to develop and test such missiles,'' he said.

Gen Popovkin said the single space system is to be deployed by the end of 2011.

The system will incorporate new-generation spacecraft, as well as upgraded command posts in-charge of controlling the orbital grouping and of receiving and processing data.

Advanced know-how and Russian-made equipment are being used to create the single space system, the Space Forces commander said.

UNI XC SKB AS1638