First launch since August 2011 of Russian Dnepr booster constructed on the basis of PC-20 intercontinental ballistic missile (SS-18, “Satan”) is planned for August 22, 2013. The booster will set South Korean Kompsat-5 satellite into the orbit, – Kosmotras Company representative reported to RIA-Novosti.
“At the moment we are working on the next launch, it is planned for August 22,2013 so far, – reported the source. – South Korean satellite and its ground attendant equipment were already delivered to “Yasny” space devices preparation base in Orenburg region.
Dnepr program was started in mid-90es at the initiative of Russian and Ukrainian Presidents. To manage Dnepr program and coordinate the activities of leading Rocket and Space corporations of two countries Roscosmos and Ukrainian National Space Agency formed Kosmotras international space company.
17 launches were carried out in the framework of the project, the last one took place in August 2011. The launch of Kompsat-5 was expected to take place in December 2011, but was postponed. Over the last several years there even was information in Mass Media that the project could be stopped.
