Russia to Rely on Plesetsk in Future – Space Forces

MOSCOW. Aug 5 (Interfax) – Russia will launch most of its spacecraft from the Plesetsk launch site in the future, an official in the Space Forces press service told Interfax on Thursday.

“The Plesetsk launch site will be used the most for launching Russian spacecraft in the future. Also, tests and the refinement of future spacecraft built of Russian components will be held there,” he said.

The Baikonur launch center in Kazakhstan, which is operated by Russia under a lease contract, will remain the major launch site for the time being. Thirteen spacecraft of the 20 launched in 2003 took off from Baikonur, and the rest blasted off from Plesetsk.

“Baikonur will enjoy the role of the major site for launching military and dual-use spacecraft at least until 2006-2008,” he said.

For details, see the Interfax-Military News Agency newswire.