Top policymakers consider launching spaceships from French Guiana

Russian President Vladimir Putin and Deputy Prime Minister Boris Alyoshin discussed the launching of Russian spaceships from the Kourou launch pad in French Guiana, according to Channel One television. Alyoshin specified that Russian contractors would be given over EUR120m for these purposes. He emphasized the necessity of attracting necessary funds from countries involved in the project.

Alyoshin reiterated that the French side was prepared to provide 50 percent of the sum needed for financing the project. Now it is up to other participants to decide on their contribution. According to the official, a corresponding decision of the European Space Agency (ESA) is due out in mid-December.