First Soyuz-2 rocket launch from the new Plesetsk complex scheduled for 2017
PLESETSK, Arkhangelsk region. July 22. (Interfax-AVN) - Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has inspected ongoing efforts to modernize the second launch complex designed for Soyuz-2 carrier rockets at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome.
"The first test launch of the Soyuz-2 medium class carrier rocket is planned to be carried out from the new launch complex in the first half of 2017," Russian Aerospace Defense Forces Commander Alexander Golovko told the minister.
Golovko expects the delivery of all necessary equipment made by industrial enterprises at the launch platform in 2016.
"In the course of the upgrading, 72 new structures are to be erected and 26 to be revamped. All works for revamping the launch installation and building a separate launching complex are set to be finished by 2017," the commander said.
Golovko said that the Plesetsk Cosmodrome has seen termination of operating such medium-class carrier-rockets as Molniya-M and Soyuz-U. According to the commander, at present, dismantling is in progress of the ground-based and support equipment that was used for launch of those rockets.
