Russia has significantly reduced its dependency on foreign remote sensing satellites, Russia's space agency Roscosmos said Tuesday.

"A significant reduction has been noted in the use of foreign Earth remote sensing satellites, which is linked to the provision of similar data by Russian space devices," the agency said in a statement.

The United Geographically-Distributed Information System (UGDIS) has also been completed, according to the press release. The system will ensure the distribution Russian satellite data to all those who require access. An Arctic remote sensing center will also be opened in Russia's northern port of Murmansk jointly with the emergency services ministry, Roscosmos said.

Russia's space agency has been undergoing a modernization program throughout 2015. On Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree dissolving the Roscosmos agency in concurrent to the creation of the Roscosmos state corporation. The reform, due to take effect from January 1, is set to consolidate all of Russia's space industry enterprises.

earlier report
Putin Signs Decree on Dissolving Federal Space Agency
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed a decree on dissolving the country's Federal Space Agency in line with the creation of Roscosmos state corporation, the Kremlin press service said Monday.

The agency will be dissolved in accordance with a federal law of July 13, 2015, according to the presidential decree, published on Kremlin's official website.

The decree comes into force on January 1, 2016.

Under the decree, the Russian government is due to ensure the continuity of the agency's functioning.

In accordance with the law, in the near future the government should carry out liquidation procedures, as well as provide the agency's employees with legal guarantees and compensation.

Source: Sputnik News