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Russia to resume launch of Rokot rocket

04 August 2011 20:59 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. Russian Space Forces could resume launches of the troubled Rokot carrier rockets by the end of 2011, a high-ranking space official said Thursday, APA reports quoting Xinhua.

Russia suspended the launch of Rokot carrier rockets after a failed launch in February, when the light-class carrier rocket sent a Geo-IK-2 satellite into an incorrect orbit.

Vladimir Nesterov, head of the Khrunichev space center, told local reporters work on correcting Rokot’s problems was underway but had encountered great difficulties.

Rokot can launch a payload of 1,950 kg into a 200 km high Earth orbit.

Meanwhile, Nesterov said Russia would end the use of Kosmos carrier rockets in 2012.

In 2013, Russian Space Forces would also test the Angara missile, he said, adding a launching site was to be built at Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan "as soon as Astana allocates the funds required."

Nesterov said Russia was to complete modernization of the heavy Proton rocket between 2012 and 2013, if financing permitted.