Cuba mulls Russian space technology.

Cuba is interested in using Russian space systems-based information technologies for civilian purposes.

"We've conducted intensive negotiations with the Cuban side and expressed an interest in cooperating with Cuba in the field of new information technologies based on space systems," said Anatoly Perminov, head of Russia's Federal Space Service (Roskosmos), in an Aug. 1 article by the Itar-Tass news agency.

Perminov's comments followed his visit to Havana as a member of a Russian delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Igor Sechin.

He added that Roskosmos is resuming its activity in Cuba after a very long break and that for the time being it will not go beyond "bringing space information to ordinary customers in order to make the life of ordinary Cubans better."

The sides discussed the deployment of radio and TV transmission networks and civilian applications of the GLONASS radio-based satellite navigation system, including prospects of using the Russian satellite constellation for remote probing of the Earth and setting up terrestrial stations for receiving such information.

Perminov emphasized the civilian nature of potential cooperation, adding that "it does not raise anyone's concerns."

He said that Cuba is particularly interested in using cost-effective Russian space technologies in operational control of railway, sea and air transport because reducing costs is a major consideration for Cubans.