The Soyuz at CSG programme encompasses the construction of a Soyuz launch facility at the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in French Guiana, and the adaptation of the Soyuz launcher to the conditions for its exploitation at the CSG. The launch facilities comprise the MIK-building for integration and testing of the launcher, a launch control centre, support buildings for the provision of supplies and the launch pad itself, including the launch table, the flame duct, a mobile gantry and a lightning rod system. The launcher to be exploited at CSG is the Soyuz-ST version based on the Soyuz 2 three stage launcher, equipped with a Fregat upper stage and with a ST fairing. The launcher will be adapted with respect to flight safety requirements. The programme started in 2004 and the launch site is under construction with a first launch expected in spring 2009. The paper presents the overall scope of the programme, the roles of the partners in Western-Europe and Russia, the elements of the ground infrastructure including the status/progress of the construction site at CSG, as well as the overall planning of the programme.
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