A Soyuz 2.1A rocket lifts off Dec. 27 from Vostochny Cosmodrome carrying a pair Kanopus-V 5 remote sensing satellites and a secondary payload of 26 smallsats arranged by GK Launch Services. Credit: GK Launch Services

Russia inaugurates Vostochny Cosmodrome with semi-commercial Soyuz launch

by —

After years of delays, construction mishaps and outrageous corruption scandals, Russia’s new premier space launch facility — the Vostochny Cosmodrome — saw the first successful flight of commercial payloads aboard a Soyuz 2.1A rocket.

Commercial Launch GK Launch ServicesRussiaSoyuzVostochny