ESA and Russia launch new partnership
The European Space Agency (ESA) has signed an agreement with the Russian Federation for long-term cooperation and partnership in the development, implementation and use of launchers. The agreement was concluded in Moscow on 19 January, and falls within the framework of an existing agreement for cooperation in the exploration and use of outer space between the two partners. The new partnership agreement has two objectives: the exploitation of the Russian Soyuz launcher from Europe's spaceport in French Guiana, and cooperation on research and development for future launchers. The 'Soyuz at Europe's Spaceport' programme provides for the construction of Soyuz launch facilities in French Guiana, as well as the adaptations that will be necessary to enable the Russian spacecraft to launch from Europe's facility in Kourou. Financing for this optional ESA programme has been secured through the participation of a number of ESA Member States, as well as a supplementary loan to Arianespace from the European Investment Bank (EIB). Work to prepare the spaceport for Soyuz is already underway, and the first launch is scheduled for 2007. The second pillar of the agreement covers joint ESA-Russian efforts for the development of technologies needed for a future generation of launchers. Russian and European engineers will join forces to develop reusable liquid engines, reusable liquid stages and experimental vehicles. ESA hopes to develop a new generation of launcher by 2020.
Countries
Russia