Dmitry Bakanov shared at the National Centre RUSSIA how advanced materials are transforming Russian space
Over the past five years, nearly 30 new materials have been mastered in the domestic space industry — including alloys, compounds, and composite materials. This was stated by Dmitry Bakanov, Director General of the State Corporation "Roscosmos", at the Forum of Advanced Materials, Chemistry and Technologies "AMTEXPO 2026". The event was held on 27 January at the National Centre RUSSIA. The centre was also a co-organiser of the forum.
According to Dmitry Bakanov, the main goal of advanced developments is to reduce the mass of products, including satellites manufactured using these materials, while simultaneously preserving and enhancing their functional characteristics.
"In the production of booster units at the 'NPO Lavochkin' enterprise, thanks to aluminum alloys, we managed to reduce mass by 10 percent, while maintaining the same launch characteristics. For Earth remote sensing spacecraft, it was possible to combine about 13 parts into one using additive technologies, reducing mass sevenfold. Speaking of engines, for example, the Angara rocket — an eco-friendly rocket that delivers payload to orbit — faces the task of reducing the cost and mass of the engine. As part of work on additive technologies, transformations have been carried out, allowing the mass of the engine to be reduced by 15 percent. At the same time, 45 types of parts are manufactured using these technologies," explained Dmitry Bakanov.
A key joint initiative highlighted by Dmitry Bakanov is the federal project "Space Atom": "The project involves creating a nuclear propulsion unit for a space tug intended for deep space exploration, where the strength characteristics of materials are extremely important. The Kurchatov Institute has developed a molybdenum alloy strengthened with titanium carbide ceramics, which can withstand temperatures up to 1002 degrees Celsius and operate for up to ten years. The main part of the engine will be manufactured using 3D printing."
The Forum of Advanced Materials, Chemistry and Technologies "AMTEXPO 2026" is dedicated to the technological leadership of domestic industry. Leading researchers, business representatives, and state officials discussed the implementation of the national project "Advanced Materials and Chemistry", which was initiated by the Ministry of Industry and Trade of Russia. Besides, they explored the contribution it has made to achieving the goals of technological sovereignty established by the Decree of the President of the Russian Federation, and presented major achievements in the creation and implementation of advanced materials in vital sectors.
