The Russian Cabinet has given its go-ahead for the country's government to expand its various space programs. The new Clipper spacecraft has hence received backing in its ongoing development, as has additions to the ISS.

This also means that the Russian Space Agency's plans to send a probe to the Martian Moon have extra backing. Also, by the end of next year, the agency can begin preparations for a planned manned mission to the Red Planet.

The government would not say how much financial backing the 9-year program will receive.

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