[SatNews] Airbus Defence and Space and Khrunichev Center had started discussions regarding the use of the Russian Angara booster rather then the Rokot, according to a spokesperson.

The Eurockot Launch Services business was founded in 1995 by both companies to market the user of light boosters. Now, the reason for these new negotiations is because the RS-18B ballistic missile that is used as Rockot boosters in the expiration of the service term. An extension of the contract is not considered to be a practical consideration. As of this writing, there has only been a single test launch of the Angara light booster, and that was performed at the Plesetsk spaceport.

Executive Comment

According to Airbus Defence and Space CIS branch manager, Vladimir Terekhov, "“It was initially known that the service period of these rockets was limited and we understand that our cooperation on Rockets has come to an end. That’s why we are now in discussions with Khrunichev Centre to obtain further cooperation on other boosters within the framework of our joint enterprise, Eurockot Launch Services.”