The preparation of Soyuz’ new operating base is continuing in French Guiana, where the ground-based infrastructure continues to take shape on its launch pad and inside the support facilities at Europe’s Spaceport.

This site will support operations of the medium-lift Soyuz vehicle, which will join Arianespace’s heavy-lift Ariane 5 and the future lightweight Vega in side-by-side operations from the Spaceport.

The transporter/erector system for Soyuz is shown in this photo inside the Launcher Assembly Building. Once a basic Soyuz vehicle’s integration is completed horizontally inside this building, the launcher is positioned atop the transporter/erector by two overhead cranes (one of which is partly visible in the upper background). The transporter/erector is then transferred on a rail line to the launch pad, where Soyuz will be raised for integration of its payload and final launch operations.

This view details the rail infrastructure that supports Soyuz operations on the launch pad. In the foreground is a straight section of track that leads to the Launcher Assembly Building, which will be used for the rollout of Soyuz vehicles on their transporter/erector. The curved portion of track (visible coming from the right) will be used for a rail car that brings kerosene propellant for the fueling of Soyuz’ boosters and Block A core stage. An additional load of kerosene that is maintained at a cooler temperature will be delivered by a wheeled truck for the fueling of Soyuz’ Block I third stage.

The nearly-completed Soyuz launch system is visible in this wide-angle image. The four primary support arms are shown in their closed position, which forms a support ring around the “waist” of Soyuz to suspend the vehicle over its launch pad. Directly behind the two rear support arms is the set of umbilical masts that will service the Soyuz’ Block A core stage, its Block I third stage, as well as the Fregat upper stage and the vehicle’s payload. Visible below in the launch table’s 15-meter-wide circular opening are four triangular-shaped guides that will be connected to the Soyuz’ four strap-on boosters — providing lower stability for the suspended vehicle until liftoff. Two other arms extending into the opening are electrical supply umbilicals for the Soyuz boosters and the Block A core stage.

The Soyuz facility is surrounded by four massive lightning protection towers, which are a feature of all the launch pads at the Spaceport in French Guiana. This picture also shows the Soyuz’ launch system in the “ready” position – with the four support arms closed and the two umbilical masts raised to service the medium-lift vehicle. A recently added element is the facility’s system of floodlights, which are installed on four masts positioned around the launch pad.