MOSCOW. Dec 19 (Interfax) - A Soyuz-2.1a rocket has been deployed to a launch pad in the Baikonur Cosmodrome's Area 31 for comprehensive tests of new ground equipment of the Soyuz-2 control system, Roscosmos said in a statement on Monday.
"The equipment is designed for conducting electrical tests of Soyuz-2 rocket control systems, verifying the correctness of their functioning, carrying out launch preparations and launching the rockets. This is a replacement for the obsolete system with an expired service life. The equipment was delivered to the cosmodrome in September 2022. It was installed, adjusted and underwent autonomous testing," the statement said.
The upcoming tests will check the equipment's serviceability when coupled with the rocket and its readiness to prepare for and conduct the launch. It is not planned to fuel the rocket, it said.
The tested Soyuz-2.1a rocket will carry the Progress MS-22 resupply ship to the International Space Station (ISS) in February 2023.