Kazakhstan discussing relocating Soyuz-5 LV production to Baikonur Cosmodrome with Russia

ASTANA. June 24 (Interfax) - Kazakhstan is in talks with Russia on relocating the production of the Soyuz-5 launch vehicle from Russia to the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov said.

"The prospect of relocating the production of the Soyuz-5 LV from Russian territory to the Baikonur Cosmodrome is being discussed with the Russian side," Bektenov said in reply to Kazakh senators' inquiry.

The Kazakh government gives great attention to the development of the Baikonur Cosmodrome both "in cooperation with Russia and other states and private foreign companies," he said.

The Soyuz-5 medium-class rocket was named Irtysh. Its head developer is the Energia Rocket and Space Corporation. The rocket is being created under the Fenix construction and design project using the RD-171MV engine. The Soyuz-5 can lift up to 17 tonnes to a support orbit.