MOSCOW, December 27 (RIA Novosti) - The number of Russian-made satellites in orbit this year has increased to 101, the head of the Russian Federal Space Agency said Thursday.
"In 2007 the Russian space group consists of 101 satellites, 35 of them have socio-economic roles," Anatoly Perminov, the head of Roscosmos, told journalists.
Until 2007, Russia had just over 90 operating satellites.
Perminov denied Thursday rumors that he was about to quit his current post. "I haven't handed in and have no intention of handing in my resignation," he said while commenting on media rumors of his alleged retirement.
Perminov also said in 2007 the space agency approved of a strategy for Russia's space industry's development until 2015.
Perminov said the agency has no funds to implement a manned flight to the Moon yet, but added that an expedition to Mars would be possible after 2035.
