In “ZSKB-Progress” in Samara missiles “SoyuzST” are now in production for launching in French Guiana.

According to the contract between France and Russia the Russian side is responsible for adaptation of the missiles to European launch safety requirements and to the moist climate conditions of French Guiana, an the French side will provide additional equipment and reconstruction of the spaceport. The first missile “SoyuzST” shall be launched no later than March 2009. It will be sent to French Guiana in October-November 2007.

By signing this contract Russia intends to increase its influence in the world rocket-space industry.