The agreement between ESA and the Russian Federal Space Agency on long-term cooperation and partnership in the field of development, implementation and use of launchers was signed on 19 January 2005. It enables the Russian Soyuz launchers to use Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana as a launch base. Soyuz, in its different versions, is renowned both for the number of successful launches made - more than 1700 - and for its role in carrying men and women from many different nations into space. GTD is strongly involved in the development of this contract, as it was before for Ariane 5 and Vega. GTD is responsible for the new ground segment computers systems and electrical equipments of the launch pad and the launching centre. Moreover this contract for the new launching pad, GTD is also retrofitting the Space Center measurement systems, to make compatible Radar, Telemery and Jupiter Room with Soyuz launcher. First launching is foreseen in 2009 and recently GTD has delivered the Detailed Design Revue documentation for the new launch pad control & command system. The launch of Soyuz from the Spaceport in French Guiana will consolidate Europe’s access to space for medium-size missions. Russia will benefit from the many advantages provided by the Spaceport and from improved access to the commercial market. Work has already begun on preparing the launch facilities at the Spaceport to ensure that these installations are ready for the first Soyuz launch from Europe's Spaceport, scheduled to take place in 2008.
