UGLEGORSK (Amur region). Jan 30 (Interfax) - The construction and commissioning of first-stage facilities of the Vostochny space center are about to end and the first launch is due by the end of this year, Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin said.
"This is the end of January, which means the construction and commissioning of first-stage facilities of the Vostochny spaceport are close to the finish line. The space center will have its inaugural mission before the end of this year, and we intend to use a Soyuz-2 rocket," Rogozin said at a spaceport construction commission meeting on Friday.
This not just an extensive construction project but also a major concentration of financial resources, Rogozin said. He noted that the money should be spent in an effective and legal way.
"The state of affairs at the primary facilities leaves much to be desired and the builders have yet to catch up with the schedule. We have been told about plans that much be accomplished by March 1, April, and I very much want to believe that will be done," Rogozin said.
"The customer had allowed significant delays in the submission of project documentation and opinions of state appraisal services. So, the construction of sites began with a major postponement. We now have to catch up," the vice-premier added.