that's new info for me. Apparently the ESA has an agreement to use the Soyuz and is building a launchpad for it at the
Kourou space centre..
It will give the ESA the possibility to launch an 100% ESA crew and Europe will finally have a launch vehicle for manned missions. (now the ESA astronauts are hitching a ride on the Soyuz from Baikonour or the Space Shuttle).
smart move IMO. The Soyuz is a reliable design and it's also very cost effective.
first launch -- 2006
linky
Kourou space centre..
It will give the ESA the possibility to launch an 100% ESA crew and Europe will finally have a launch vehicle for manned missions. (now the ESA astronauts are hitching a ride on the Soyuz from Baikonour or the Space Shuttle).
smart move IMO. The Soyuz is a reliable design and it's also very cost effective.
first launch -- 2006
linky
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