Soyuz-5 launch possible in Baiterek project after Dec 20, 2025, there may be delays - Kazakh ministry

ASTANA. Sept 4 (Interfax) - A test launch of a new Soyuz-5 rocket is planned from the Baikonur Cosmodrome a part of the Russian-Kazakh Baiterek project after December 20, 2025, but there may be delays, Kazakh Deputy Minister of Digital Development, Innovations and Aerospace Industry Mali Olzhabekov said.

"The launch vehicle is undergoing factory trials. Once the assembly is finalized, the launch site will be tested for the full preparedness and serviceability of all technical systems. If no flaws are found, we will move on to December. Sometime after December 20," Olzhabekov told the press in Astana on Thursday.

If any flaws are detected and time is needed to fix them, the dates will be clarified, he said.

"We do not rule out a slight delay [of the launch]. So, we will announce a more precise date by December," Olzhabekov said.