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Russia has the first place in space launches with 45 percent of the world`s spacecraft launches conducted in 2006, RIA Novosti reported December 28.
In 2006, Russia already conducted 25 launches, including a Soyuz-2-1B carrier rocket with a Fregat booster and a French Corot satellite Wednesday, the head of the agency Anatoly Perminov said. He also said that in 2007 they plan to reduce number of launches to 20.
According to Perminov about $912 million would be allocated for the Federal Space Program in 2007. The budget for the Federal Space Program in 2006 totalled $873 million.
The head of the space agency also said the US was in second place in spacecraft launches, with 18 launches conducted in 2006, while Japan and China shared third place with six launches each.
In 2007, Russia will send two piloted spacecraft and four cargo ships to the International Space Station.
