* Astronomy

A launch of the Dnepr rocket vehicle to orbit two Japanese experimental satellites from the Baikonur launching site has been scheduled for mid-August.

"The first satellite, OICETS, has been delivered to Baikonur today from the Yubileiny aerodrome, where it had been transported to from Ulyanovsk on board the An-124 Ruslan aircraft. The spacecraft is currently in the operations and checkout building of platform 31, where it will be prepared for the launch," - message on Roskosmos's website.
The second satellite, KA – INDEX is expected to be delivered in mid-June.



As was the case with previous launches of this kind of rocket, the Dnepr rocket vehicle will start from the launching silo of platform 109.
Deputy Head of Roskosmos Alexander Medvedchikov stated during today's internet briefing that the recent change of front-office managers of the Energia Space Rocket Corporation would not affect the implementation of international contracts.

The change of the leadership of space joint-stock companies is uncommon in Russia. "But for those who are accustomed to work in the civilized environment, as they say, or in the conditions of the market economy, a procedure like this is nothing out of the ordinary. As to international commitments, the government guarantees compliance with many international agreements and projects, including the International Space Station, while the Federal Space Agency acts as guarantor under other contracts. And we have never let our international partners down ," - Alexander Medvedchikov.

He also stressed, that in four to five years, staff rotation is to take place at Russian space enterprises. "Promoting talented managers is a strong impetus to production and scientific thought. Otherwise, we will face stagnation".