Vitaly Alexandrovich Lopota

President of the S.P. Korolev Rocket and Space Corporation Energia, General Designer, technical manager for flight tests of manned space systems, deputy chairman of the State Commission for flight tests of manned space systems.

He was born on September 28, 1950, in Grozny.

He began his working career as a fitter at an oil refinery in Grozny. After completing army service, he studied in Leningrad Polytechnical Institute (known as University since 1990), where, after completing postgraduate studies in 1981, he rose through the ranks, starting off as a junior research associate, to eventually become a professor, a department chairman and the head of an applied research laboratory, which later became known as the Laser Technology Center. Since 1991 he has been the director and chief designer of the Central Research and Development Institute for Robotics and Engineering Cybernetics (known as TsNII RTK since 1981, established in 1968 under the auspices of Leningrad Polytechnical Institute as OKB TK).

Since July 2007 he has been heading S.P.Korolev RSC Energia, a strategically important company in Russia, the prime organization in the country for development and operation of manned rocket and space systems, a leading company in the field of developing launchers and robotic space systems, and introduction of advanced space technologies to the socially useful products.

Under V.A. Lopota's direction the economic activities of the Corporation stabilized, programs were initiated for its re-tooling and upgrade, social support and construction of housing on special terms for the company employees.

RSC Energia continues to meet Russia's commitments under the International Space Station (ISS) program. Manufactured and launched since the summer of 2007 have been more than 20 Soyuz TMA and Progress M spacecraft, two new research modules Poisk and Rassvet, spacecraft/module Progress M-MRM2, and about 20 upper stages of the Block DM type. Successfully completed have been the scheduled programs of the 10 expeditions and 5 visiting missions to ISS, including the work on-board the station of 30 cosmonauts and astronauts from various countries, reception and integration with the space station's Russian Segment of the European transportation vehicle ATV-1 Jules Verne, modules Poisk and Rassvet.

Support was provided for ascent from parking low-Earth orbits to target orbits for several dozens of spacecraft for various purposes under governmental and commercial programs, including Glonass program.

In 2009, the problem of upgrading manufacturing facilities and doubling the production rate of Soyuz TMA spacecraft was solved, allowing the transition to continuous safe operation of the ISS crew of 6. Flight tests have been completed of a new series of logistic spacecraft Progress M equipped with state-of-the-art digital systems. The groundwork has been laid for equipping a series of manned spacecraft Soyuz TMA with similar systems. The Corporation is the prime developer for the advanced manned transportation system with a new-generation manned spacecraft. In 2010 the preliminary design work was completed, and the next phase has begun.

Vitaly Lopota cultivates Corporation activities aimed at developing state-of-the-art Russian robotic space systems and launchers. With respect to unmanned space systems for Russian and foreign customers, extensive work is under way on advanced designs for specialized satellites based on the multi-purpose satellite bus. In order to improve economic efficiency, the work is under way to reorganize the Sea Launch company, where the Corporation is in charge of the rocket segment. New-generation space launcher systems are being developed, including super-light launchers using elements of the previous designs developed at the company under the Energia-Buran and other projects. The work is being started on the project of a nuclear-powered space transportation module.

Being the Chairman of the Council of Directors of companies based in Korolev, town of science, V.A. Lopota pays much attention to urban development issues, particularly, job creation, expansion and upgrading production facilities in the space industry, construction of housing and buildings of social significance.

One of the highest priorities for Vitaly Lopota is to preserve and further develop the Korolev's school of Russian rocket and space science. With his active participation, a full-time post-graduate courses and the council which can confer academic ranks have been re-established at the Company.

Being a distinguished scientist, he actively initiates the introduction of advanced project management methods to the development of rocket and space systems, new computer-based technologies for design and engineering analysis, including development of advanced space systems using functional integration. He develops mechatronic principles for constructing robotic components on the basis of standardization of modules, introduces wide use of optronic and photonic technologies in control systems, supports development of artificial intelligence technologies for working in complex and uncertain environments. Developed with his direct involvement were networking technologies for high-speed data processing and transmission needed to control complex facilities in real time, robot-based processes for highly efficient materials processing using high-power lasers.

Vitaly Alexandrovich Lopota is a corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Doctor of Science, Engineering. He has published more than 200 scientific papers, and he holds about 60 patents for inventions. He is a member of Council for Science, Technologies and Education at the President of the Russian Federation, a member of the Council of general and chief designers, leading scientists and specialists in high-technology sectors of economy under the Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation, a member of a number of councils of experts at federal and regional levels, scientific, academic and engineering councils.

He is an Honored Worker of Science of the Russian Federation, decorated with the Order of Merit for Country of the IV Degree, Medal of Honor, medal In Honor of 300th Anniversary of St. Petersburg and another awards.

September 2010.