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Abstract: Visions about the establishment of a lunar base and development of the Moon for scientific, technical and commercial ends have been on the political agenda since the beginning of the Space Age. In the past few years a number of spacefaring nations, including the USA, European states through ESA, Japan, India, China and Russia have proposed missions directed at the robotic and human exploration and development of the Moon. This paper argues that an important factor in advancing these missions lies in a partnership between the pubic, governmental sector and the private sector. The paper analyzes the dynamics of this partnership as applied to the case of the US Vision for Space Exploration. The results of the analysis suggest that public–private partnerships directed at lunar development and commerce depend on how government reduces risks for the private sector. The risks identified and discussed herein include political and legal risks, technological risks, and financial and market risks. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: According to the Technical program of cooperation between the leading research institutes of India and Russian Federation the joint development of lead-lithium ceramic breeder (LLCB) test blanket module (TBM) is one of preferential directions in this program. The concept of LLCB TBM and corresponding DEMO blanket has been proposed by Indian TBM Team and India is a “Leader” in this concept. Russian Federation takes part in the design, analysis and R&D activities on LLCB TBM concept on the rights of “Partner”. In particular the joint efforts are focused now on the development of LLCB TBM in the electromagnetic option (so-called EM-TBM). In the framework of the design and analysis for LLCB TBM several design options have been considered by RF specialists during 2010–2011 period. The main directions of design and analysis works are as follows: [-] the designing of TBM load-bearing casing including the reliable cooling layout; [-] the development of tritium breeding zone (TBZ) basing upon the minimizing of MHD-pressure drops for liquid metal circulation, increasing of eutectic outlet temperature (up to 500°C) and tritium production rate; [-] to create the TBM attachment system that will be able to withstand the loads for all the ITER operation modes; [-] thermal hydraulic analyses for TBM helium cooling system and eutectic circuit (taking into account the magnetic field conditions); Brief results of this activity and consequent proposals on the design improvements are presented in this paper. The critical issues and further plans on the development of LLCB TBM in Russian Federation are also discussed and analyzed in this article. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: This paper addresses the impact of both economic growth and financial development on environmental degradation using a panel cointegration technique for the period between 1980 and 2007, except for Russia (1992–2007). In long-run equilibrium, CO2 emissions appear to be energy consumption elastic and FDI inelastic, and the results seem to support the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis. The causality results indicate that there exists strong bidirectional causality between emissions and FDI and unidirectional strong causality running from output to FDI. The evidence seems to support the pollution haven and both the halo and scale effects. Therefore, in attracting FDI, developing countries should strictly examine the qualifications for foreign investment or to promote environmental protection through the coordinated know-how and technological transfer with foreign companies to avoid environmental damage. Additionally, there exists strong output-emissions and output-energy consumption bidirectional causality, while there is unidirectional strong causality running from energy consumption to emissions. Overall, the method of managing both energy demand and FDI and increasing both investment in the energy supply and energy efficiency to reduce CO2 emissions and without compromising the country’s competitiveness can be adopted by energy-dependent BRIC countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Several types of reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel have been developed over the past 30years in China, Europe, India, Japan, Russia and the USA for application in ITER test blanket modules (TBMs) and future fusion DEMO and power reactors. The progress has been particularly important during the past few years with evaluation of mechanical properties of these steels before and after irradiation and in contact with different cooling media. This paper presents recent RAFM steel results obtained in ITER partner countries in relation to different TBM and DEMO options. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]