Shoigu skyrockets role of Plesetsk
As Russian space industry pulls out of foreign collaboration, the importance of the Plesetsk cosmodrome takes off.
During a visit to Plesetsk, Arkhangelsk Oblast, this week, Defence Minister Sergey Shoigu highlighted the key role of the space center. He especially praised the development of the Angara missile launch system, a complex which is under testing at the center.
The Russian Space Forces in July this year successfully conducted a maiden launch of its new Angara rocket. The Angara 1.2 rocket lasted about 21 minutes and was not intended to reach orbit.
The successful test flight marked the country’s first new launch vehicle to be built from scratch since the fall of the Soviet Union.
During his visit this week, Shoigu stressed that the Angara system will enable Russian space industry to operate more independently from foreign countries. He especially noted that the Angara system will replace the Rokot, rocket launch system which relies on technology and equipment from manufacturers in Kharkiv, Ukraine.
”In this way, we will no longer depend on imports for our light-class rocket carriers,” Shoigu stressed, a press release from his ministry reads.
