Russia, France Sign Deal on Rocket Launches From Equator

[NNN0LHI]

http://www.mosnews.com/news/2005/03/22/soyuzguyana.shtml

Europe has laid the financial and legal basis for using the Russian carrier rocket Soyuz M-2, that will be launched from the Kourou space centre in French Guiana in 2007.

French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin and the heads of the European Investment Bank, the corporation Arianespace, and the European Space Agency signed the documents relating to the program on Monday, Itar-Tass reports.

The European Investment Bank has issued a loan for the space program, including $92 million against collateral of the French government. Arianespace spokesman says that the construction of launch pads for the Soyuz rockets at Kourou will cost $260 million.

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[bemildred]

1. Cool. The ideal launch point, on the equator. nt

[Vogon_Glory]

2. Not Surprised

I'm not surprised that the Russians are interested in shifting their launches away from Kazakhstan. The Kazakhs understandably want more rent and they equally understandably don't want the Russians to use Baikonur for military launches.