Russia to collaborate with Europe for a new Launch Pad

Russia to collaborate with Europe for a new Launch Pad

Russian Soyuz Rockets would soon have their own Launch Pad at the Kourou cosmodrome in French Guiana. This was announced by the Russian Federal Space Agency (Roskosmos) and the European rocket launch company Arianespace who are collaborating for this project.

The contract has terms of construction of a launch pad for Russian Soyuz rockets from the Kourou cosmodrome in French Guiana. It lies at the north-eastern tip of South America. Also part of the deal is construction of an adapted version of the Soyouz spacecraft known as the Soyuz 2-lb.

They have planned the first flight to take place from this proposed launch pad in around 2008. Special river-sea type vessels would be used to transport the rockets to the launching pad in the French Guiana. One of the benefits for this location is the proximity of the Kourou cosmodrome to the equator. This will allow them to carry heavier cargoes to higher orbits.