Russia will spend 2.1 trillion rubles (about $70 billion) under a state program for the development of the national space industry in 2013-2020, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday.

"The total volume of funding is quite significant: 2.1 trillion rubles, including extrabudgetary sources," he said.

The program is designed to ensure the country retains its position as a leading global space power, while also supporting its defense capability, and boosting economic and social development, Medvedev said.

"The program will enable our country to effectively participate in forward-looking projects, such the ISS [International Space Station], the study of the Moon, Mars and other celestial bodies in the solar system," he said.

Dmitry Paison, director for development at the Skolkovo space cluster, told RIA Novosti that the program provides the framework for other space-related programs.

"It comprises the Federal Space Program, the Federal Special Program for the Development of the Glonass System, the program for the development of space launch centers and the non-classified part of the program for the technical modernization of the industry," he said.

Source: RIA Novosti