PLESETSK, Arkhangelsk region. May 22. (Interfax-AVN) - The upgraded carrier rocket Soyuz-2 is showing good performance in flight and technological testing, said Sergei Tyulevin, first deputy general director of the TsSKB-Progress design bureau, based in Samara.
"It was the sixth successful launch of the upgraded Soyuz-2 under a program of flight and technological testing. In all, 12 test launches will be carried out," Tyulevin told the media at the Plesetsk launch pad, after a Soyuz-2 put a military telecommunications satellite into orbit on Friday.
Two versions of the upgraded launch vehicle have been designed - Soyuz-2-1a and Soyuz-2-1b. The load carrying capacity of the upgraded rockets has been increased by, respectively, 30 and 1,000 kilograms, he said.
"A Soyuz-2-1a rocket blasted off today in a third test launch from Plesetsk" Tyulevin also said.
The rocket's test launches will continue from Plesetsk, Baikonur and Kourou in French Guiana, he said.
The upgraded carrier rocket has digital control and telemetry systems, Tyulevin said. "This has enhanced the rocket's accuracy, steadiness and controllability," he added.
More than 1,650 Soyuz carrier rockets have been launched. "It is the most reliable and most frequently launched rocket in modern space technology," Tyulevin said.