The main achievements of 2007

2007 has been devoted to infrastructure works.

The first buildings have already sprung up: the launch control centre, launcher integration building, launch bunker, power generation units, and storage facilities.  Work on these will be finished by the end of the year, and will be followed by the Russian phase, which will involve fitting out the various buildings.

Midway through the infrastructure works, construction of the planned Soyuz Launch Complex is progressing on schedule as planned.  More than 450 people are working on it every day.

At the launch control centre, the infrastructure has been completed, allowing painting and fitting-out work to begin.

In the launcher integration building (MIK), the main framework has been finished and the teams are now installing the track components for the travelling crane, which can bear up to 20 tonnes in weight.  This travelling crane will be used to integrate the launcher.  At the same time, the MIK ancillary buildings are emerging from the ground.

Outside the MIK, concrete is being cast for the foundations of the railway which will link the integration zone to the launch complex.  This railway will be used to transfer the launcher, in a horizontal position, on its wagon.

At the launch complex, the concrete formwork for the deflector unit has been finished, and an access ramp has been built to give the teams easier access to the bottom of the flame trench.

In addition, construction of the bunker is proceeding without incident.  Shoring-up works have already begun, in order to prepare for the formwork for the bunker's upper slabs.

Meanwhile in the rear zone, trenches are being dug in order to lay the 'Low Voltage Safety' links between the CDLs of the Ariane launch complex n° 3 and the ELS.

With regard to air-conditioning, installation of the refrigerating units in the generating plant is underway.

Lastly, the Malmanoury bridge on the road between the Ariane 5 and Soyuz launch complexes has had to be rebuilt.  Construction work on the new bridge is scheduled for the end of August, and is due to last three weeks.