Rocket and space industry specialists go on preparing Soyuz TMA-16-M manned spacecraft for the launch.

Preparation works for the launch of Proton-M booster with Briz-M upper stage and Russian Express-AM7 satellite started at Baikonur spaceport Khrunichev centre press office reports. At the present time the specialists accomplish works on autonomous preparations of Proton-M booster and other compounds of the payload.

On February 19, 2015 Express-AM7 telecommunication space device and complex of service equipment were delivered to Yubileyny airfield complex where all necessary customs procedures were accomplished. At the present time the satellite is kept in the integration building of #50 launchpad where it will be prepared for the launch.

On February 17 rocket and space industry specialists successfully launched Progress M-26M cargo vehicle that delivered the ISS propellant, oxygen, foodstuff, scientific equipment and parcels for crew members. This launch started 2015 ISS flight program and the specialists are already accomplishing preparation works for the future launches.

Today on February 17, 2015, at 14:00:17, Moscow time, Roscosmos launching crews successfully launched Soyuz-U booster with Progress M-26M cargo vehicle.

According to the decision taken by State Commission on February 15, at 04.00, Moscow time, rocket and space industry launching crews rolled-out Soyuz-U booster with Progress M026M cargo vehicle from the integration building to #1 launchpad (Gagarin launch). The rocket was installed and the specialists started working in accordance with the first launching day schedule. Before the launch they have to test the facilities and systems both of the rocket and ground-based equipment and gill the booster’s tanks with propellant components and pressurized gas.

RSC Energia, Progress rocket and space centre and Yuzhny space centre specialists completed works on assembling Progress M-26M space head in the integration building of #254 launchpad on February 12: nose fairing was installed on the vehicle. Before the vehicle was examined and photographed.

Baikonur specialists go on working on ISS program implementation.

Roscosmos will stop purchasing Zenit rockets manufactured by Dnepropetrovsk Yuzhmash plant, - Roscosmos spokesman Igor Burenkov reported. According to him the satellites planned to be launched with the help of Zenit rockets will be delivered to the orbit by new boosters of Angara series.

At 15.31, Moscow time, February 01, 2015, rocket and space industry launching crews of Baikonur spaceport successfully launched Proton-M booster with Briz-M upper stage and inmarsat-5F2 space device from #200 launchpad of Baikonur.