Topic summary
Soyuz at the Guiana Space Centre
5°10′08″N52°41′24″W / 5.169°N 52.690°W
The Soyuz-ST-A and ST-B were modified versions of the Soyuz-2 rocket, designed to launch from the Guiana Space Centre (CSG) in French Guiana. They were developed as part of a European Space Agency (ESA) programme to add a medium-lift launch vehicle to complement the light-lift Vega and heavy-lift Ariane 5 rockets.
A collaborative effort between Russia and Europe, the project involved constructing the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz (ELS; lit.'Soyuz Launch Complex') at the CSG and adapting the Soyuz 2 to the tropical climate. The first launch of a Soyuz ST-B occurred on 21 October 2011, while the first ST-A launch occurred on 17 December 2011.
The Soyuz-ST-A and ST-B were four-stage rockets designed for low Earth orbit missions. Notably, their stage numbering differs from that of some rockets, with the boosters considered the first stage and the central core the second. Unlike the standard Soyuz-2, the Fregat upper stage was mandatory for the ST variants.
Between 2011 and 2022, 27 Soyuz-ST rockets were launched from the CSG, with 26 successful missions. Most of these launches utilized the more powerful ST-B variant, while nine employed the ST-A.
However, the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 created diplomatic tensions between Russia and Europe, ending Soyuz launches from the CSG. Additionally, the introduction of the Vega C and Ariane 6 launchers, both offering medium-lift capabilities, rendered the role of Soyuz largely redundant.