Build-up is underway for the no. 1 Soyuz to be launched from French Guiana

Kourou, French Guiana (ESA)
Sep 19, 2011

The first Soyuz to be operated from French Guiana has begun the integration process, marking a major step toward Arianespace's introduction of the workhorse medium-lift vehicle into its launcher family at the Spaceport.

During activity this week, the Soyuz launcher's central core Block A second stage was fitted with one of four strap-on boosters that constitute the Russian-built launcher's first stage.

The horizontal integration is taking place inside a purpose-built Launcher Integration Building at the Spaceport, where Soyuz vehicles will undergo their initial build-up.

Once assembled, they will be rolled out to the launch pad and erected in the vertical position for installation of the upper composite - consisting of Soyuz' Fregat upper stage and the satellite payload.

Liftoff of the historic no. 1 Soyuz from French Guiana is set for October 20 with two European Galileo navigation satellites, and will be followed by a second flight of the Russian launcher at the Spaceport in December.

Source: Space-Travel.
Link: http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Build_up_is_underway_for_the_no__1_Soyuz_to_be_launched_from_French_Guiana_999.html.