Source: Russia will give Kazakhstan a satellite and three systems at Baikonur

Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with the Progress M-UM transport module at the launch site of the Baikonur cosmodrome … Archival photo MOSCOW, January 6 During the first half of 2022, Russia may transfer to Kazakhstan the previously unused Ekran-M telecommunications satellite and three technological systems at the Baikonur cosmodrome as part of the previously planned withdrawal of unused facilities from lease, a source at the cosmodrome told RIA Novosti. that Russia is going to withdraw from lease 16 objects of the Baikonur cosmodrome, they will be transferred to Kazakhstan by the end of 2022. «Among the objects planned for transfer are the Ekran-M TV and radio broadcasting satellite with an assembly-protective block and three technological systems of the cosmodrome,» — said the interlocutor of the agency. He explained that in addition to the satellite, Kazakhstan can receive a universal control and test complex, remote control systems for refueling and auxiliary systems. As another source in the rocket and space industry told RIA Novosti, the Ekran-M satellite was delivered to the cosmodrome , but it was never launched, since the system of the same apparatus Tov worked properly, and there was no point in replenishing the orbital grouping. He clarified that if the device was stored properly, that is, not on the street, then it is most likely still suitable for launch and operation in orbit. Situation in Baikonur remains calm amid protests in Kazakhstan The first Ekran-M satellite was launched into geostationary orbit in 1987. The purpose of the device is to organize direct television broadcasting for the regions of Siberia and the Far East. The last such device was sent into space in 2001. Earlier, the general director of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin said that Russia wants to withdraw from the lease the objects it does not need at the Baikonur cosmodrome. Russia does not operate these facilities and it is pointless to bear responsibility for them, therefore, «whether it be scrap metal or other materials,» must be disposed of, Rogozin believes. Changes to Russia's lease of the Baikonur cosmodrome from Kazakhstan until 2050 entered into force in the summer of 2021. Now the cosmodrome is leased out until 2050, although earlier in the agreement signed in 1994 it was stated that Baikonur was leased to Russia for 20 years. Agreements to extend the lease until 2020 were reached in 2004. Rogozin announced plans to launch 50-75 missiles per year in a few years