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First launch of Soyuz-2 rocket form new Plesetsk launch site to be carried out in 2017

The work for the reconstruction of the launch platform and building a separate launching complex is scheduled for completion by 2017

© ITAR-TASS/Andrei Morgunov

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PLESETSK COSMODROME (Arkhangelsk region), July 22. /TASS/. The first launch of the Soyuz-2 carrier rocket from the second launch complex, which is now under reconstruction at the Plesetsk cosmodrome, will be carried out in the first half of 2017, Commander of the Aerospace Defense Forces Lieutenant General Alexander Golovko told Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu at the cosmodrome on Wednesday.

"The first test launch of the Soyuz-2 medium class carrier rocket from the new launch complex is planned for the first half of 2017," Golovko said.

He said that the industry enterprises would supply the necessary equipment to the launch facility in 2016. "A total of 72 new buildings will be built and 26 buildings renovated within the reconstruction framework. The work for the reconstruction of the launch platform and building a separate launching complex is scheduled for completion by 2017," the commander said.

Golovko said that the Molniya-M and Soyuz-U medium class carrier rockets have been withdrawn from use at Plesetsk. According to the commander, the dismantlement of the ground technological equipment, which was used for launching these rockets, is nearing completion.

Over the spaceport operation years, about 2,000 rockets have been launched from its firing pads. As many as 10 types of launch vehicles, 11 rocket systems, more than 30 types of spacecraft have been tested and commissioned at the cosmodrome. Successful testing of the new light class space rocket Soyuz-2 was carried out at Plesetsk. The Angara space rocket complex has been created and is undergoing upgrading there.

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