“gtd signs 4M€ contracts for Soyuz Ground Facilities and launch Pad control & Command system” In the second half of 2008, a Soyuz launcher will take off from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. This will be an historic event as it will be the first time that a Soyuz launcher lifts off from a spaceport other than Baikonur or Plesetsk. It will also be a milestone in the strategic cooperation that exists between Europe and Russia in the launcher's sector. gtd’s Contract: Concerning this new Launcher, as it was before for Ariane 5 and Vega, gtd has been awared by ESA and CNES for the new ground segment computers systems and electrical equipments of the launch pad and the launching centre. The decision to develop the launch infrastructure to enable Soyuz to be launched from French Guiana is of mutual interest to both Europe and Russia and benefits from funding from the European Community. Performances: The Soyuz launch vehicle that will be used at Europe's Spaceport is the Soyuz-2 version called Soyuz-ST. This includes the Fregat upper stage and the ST fairing. Soyuz-2 is the last version of the renowned family of Russian launchers that began the space race more than 40 years ago by launching Sputnik, the first satellite to be placed into orbit, and then sending the first man into space – Yuri Gagarin. Human Flights: This new launching pad will be designed so that it can be smoothly adapted for human spaceflight, should this be decided upon. Jean Marc Astorg (CNES) & Angel Ramirez (gtd)
