Russian Cabinet Postpones Mir’s Future
Allocates Funds for Progress Flights

The Russian Cabinet has allocated US$27 million to pay for two Progress cargo spacecraft. The Progress spacecraft will carry propellant to Mir, which can then be used to either boost the station to a higher orbit and extending its life, or to make a controlled burn into the atmosphere destroying the facility. The Cabinet decided to postpone a decision regarding the ultimate disposition of the Mir space station until February 2001. The decision then will depend on whether private funds have been made raised which can be used to maintain the station in orbit. The government has wavered over the station's future for more than a year. It is estimated Mir's disposal will cost at least US$21.7 million (600 million rubles).

Prior to the Cabinet meeting there were widespread reports that the decision to close the space station would be made. MirCorp executives have been lobbying to persuade the Russian government to not abandon the space station and promising to raise US$117 million to US$170 million next year. MirCorp plans to raise US$117 million by an IPO in early 2001, and in addition generate US$50 million through TV transmissions and space tourism. MirCorp also hopes to raise enough money to build a new core module to replace the existing one. Russian space officials are reportedly skeptical that MirCorp can actually raise the needed capital, following the company’s failure to pay US$10 million for the launch of a Progress cargo ship in mid-October. MirCorp has stated that payment will be made shortly.

Dennis Tito of Pasadena, California, continues his training in preparation to become MirCorp’s first tourist to travel to the Mir space station. His flight, estimated to be 7 to 10 days in duration, is currently scheduled for a January 18, 2001 launch.

The engines on board the Progress cargo craft were used on October 25 to raise Mir’s orbit to an apogee of 364 km, with a perigee of 333 km. About half of the spacecraft's propellant, some 500 kg, was used to complete the maneuver. The remainder will be reserved to lower the station’s orbit should the government decide to close the station.

The United States continues to pressure Russia to dump the Mir and focus its resources on the International Space Station. Despite some problems in recent years Mir remains a source of great pride to the Russian space program and people. 
  

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