The updated Russian launch vehicle “Soyuz-2” (“Soyuz-ST”) will push the domestic industry and attract the foreign customers. The Russian and European high-ranking officials are expecting it. While the Samara Space-Rocket Centre "TsSKB-PROGRESS" is preparing to enlarge the numerous LV family manufactured there. The developed LV has many advantages and already attracts new followers.
The Russian writer Alexey Tolstoy - who grew up in the Volga region near Samara - described the first journey to Mars in his novel "Aelita". Actually the "Mars-1" spacecraft was launched there in 1962 with the rocket manufactured in Samara. And then forty years later the European probe "Mars-Express" was launched into the space with the analogous LV. This December it will begin to search for water and evidence of life on the red planet. This event has been performed due to the Russian-French Joint Stock Company “Starsem”. This company has become the main leader of "TsSKB-PROGRESS" idea to develop the "Soyuz-Kourou" project where the updated LV “Soyuz-ST” ("Soyuz-2" adapted to Kourou cosmodrome conditions) is expected to be used.
The recent development of micro technologies allows to reduce spacecraft mass and dimensions. Expensive heavy boosters become not so necessary and therefore an interest to the proved Russian medium-class rocket is increased. But it obviously requires updating.
Alas, but the rocket electrical equipment in various countries has become obsolete. Even the praised American “Shuttle” equipping has already called antiquary and can hardly replace the failed items. That is why the “Souyz” electrical equipment is already updated.
The more perfect "brain" – a new digital computer is installed to LV Soyuz-2. "NPO of Automatics" (Ekaterinburg) traditionally equipped the sea-launched missiles has begun to manufacture the LV “Soyuz-2” control system sets.
Outwardly the rocket “Soyuz-ST” looks more "heavy-headed" – its nose fairing inner volume has been increased and the 3-rd stage construction has been strengthened. It will allow to launch the satellites of large diameter with the standard "European" dimensions into orbit.
Due to advanced nozzles ”Soyuz-ST” engines will lift 300 kg more. It is much enough if remember that the space tourists pay tens of millions dollars for less than 100 kg of their body weight.
Besides, the new LV will start from more convenient site near the equator - from Sinnamary town near Kourou city in French Guiana. There they already cut down jungle trees clearing space for launching site built by Russia and Europe. Basically the launch complex will be the same. It will allow to avoid much expenses. Unlike the traditional Russian technology, in Kourou the nose module with PL will be installed to the LV 3-rd stage directly at the launch complex before a launch. It is a tribute to the European traditions - to keep a LV vertically during all the processing phases. The rotary platform on a stationary tower with a closed cabin will allow engineers and scientists to work easily and debug satellite systems even during often tropical rains.
The ground transportation of Samara rockets becomes more twisting. At first by rail up to St. Petersburg, then by sea up to the northern coast of South America. But it is the best case when "something will turn up". It is obvious that lift off from Earth is easier in that place where its rotation speed is higher, i.e. closer to the equator.
On November, 7th the agreement between the Russian and French Governments according to LV "Soyuz-ST" arrangement on the Kourou cosmodrome was signed. But not waiting for this event missile specialists in the framework of the agreement with "Starsem" company complete the project and specify technical details constantly running between Samara, Moscow, Paris and Kourou. According to one of the specialists, Valentin Prikhodkin, recently the number of the hot project supporters has considerably increased.
It is rather hot on the place of construction activity. The climate there seems to be resort unlike the severe conditions of the Russian cosmodromes. The project start seems very promising for its participants.
