The European and Russian space industries will be working closer together in the launch arena going forward. This is the result of a new agreement signed by the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Russian Federal Space Agency for the long-term cooperation and partnership in the development, implementation and use of launchers.

There are two key components to this agreement. The first component is about the exploitation of the Russian Soyuz launcher from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The second part concerns the development of future space transport systems. Here, Europe and the Russian Federation will collaborate in developing the technology needed for future launchers. Russian and European engineers will work together to develop reusable liquid engines, reusable liquid stages and experimental vehicles. ESA aims to have a new generation launcher ready by 2020.