[Satellite TODAY 05-12-10] Arianespace, Roscosmos, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency (CNES) have confirmed that the French Guiana Space Center’s inaugural launch of the Soyuz rocket will take place during the fourth quarter of 2010, according to an Arianespace statement released May 11.
    Nearly all of Soyuz’s Russian and European systems are undergoing qualification, with the first Soyuz launcher already assembled in the Space Center’s preparation and testing building.
    The Soyuz will join the Ariane 5 and Vega rockets as part of Arianespace’s launch service offerings for international customers in ESA’s effort to bolster launch collaboration with Russia. ESA is responsible for full development of the program, with Arianespace in charge of launch supply and operations, Roscosmos in charge of coordinating the activities of Russian industry partners, and CNES is acting as project prime contractor and system architect.