could a private entity fund the Kliper?

[spacefire]

If the developments costs are not that high (doesn't even have to be the 500mil figure quoted, but maybe a couple bil), could a company purchase this spacecraft-that is, own the design ?<br />http://www.russianspaceweb.com/kliper.html <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[syndroma]

RKK Energia, like any other company, wants to live long and be wealthy. I doubt it'll sell out its flagship project.<br />Besides, development cost includes creating production lines and making test flights. Without that, owning the design is useless. With production lines located on Energia factory, owning the design is useless.<br /><br />More sense to buy share in Energia (gov owns only 36% IIRC).

 

[mikejz]

Is it publically traded?

 

[syndroma]

Yes.<br />http://www.rts.ru/?id=3091&code=rkke

 

[spacefire]

I'd buy a few shares...not that I expect spectacular dividents, but just to say I own a bit of the Kliper <img src="/images/icons/smile.gif" /><br /><br /><br />In any case, what I was referring to, could the costs be completely covered by another company, which would then own Kliper and get revenue from selling the system (or rides on the system). Enegria would become sort of a building contractor. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>

 

[syndroma]

I think, it was possible, until Energia "sold" the project to RSA. Now it is included in the Federal Space Program, and you can't buy it <i>completely</i>. You can participate, but you have to compete with ESA in that. <br /><br />If you have the money, you can easily reach mutual understanding with most Russian space companies, just stay out of the military stuff. For example, Land Launch<br />http://www.sea-launch.com/land-launch/index.html<br />is being funded by UGMK, private copper mining company.

 

[spacefire]

ok...but I'm sure if they run into cash problems as it often happens they will offer patent rights or whatever to any investor willing to shell out the cash. <div class="Discussion_UserSignature"> <p>http://asteroid-invasion.blogspot.com</p><p>http://www.solvengineer.com/asteroid-invasion.html </p><p> </p> </div>