The Future of Eurockot Company

[osiossim]

As you might be aware, Russian MoD do not want to perform commercial Rockot launches in 2016, planned via Eurockot company, which is the JV betweeen EADS Astrium Germany and the Russian launch vehicle manufacturer Khrunichev. The problem arise probably due to the European sanctions imposed at Russia, against it's Ukrainian policy. But Russia defend herself as they will rely on Angara and will reduce the Ukranian parts on their launch vehicles.

http://www.militarynews.ru/story.asp?rid=1&nid=351069
http://itar-tass.com/politika/1402440

So far Eurockot made no comment about the issue. However, they supposed to participate "6th Summit on Earth Observation Business, Part of the World Satellite Business Week of Euroconsult" meetings in Paris, for today and tomorrow.

http://www.eurockot.com/2014/08/6th-summit-on-earth-observation-business-part-of-the-world-satellite-business-week-of-euroconsult-11-12-september-2014-paris/

Is there anybody in the forum, who participated this meeting and can share the comments from Eurockot officials, regarding this issue and the future of Eurockot?

I am afraid there are 3 ESA satellites planned to be launched with Rockot in 2015 and 2016. I wonder if these satellites will jump into VEGA's launch list from the middle or not...

[bolun]

According to this news.

http://www.spacenews.com/article/launch-report/42050for-upcoming-esa-missions-rockot-to-meet-debris-mitigation-guidelines

The company also said demand for its Rockot launcher, a converted ballistic missile, from the Russian government is almost certain to continue through the end of the decade despite occasional statements from Russian officials saying they want to move to a new version of Russia’s Soyuz vehicle, and to the all-new Angara rocket family.

Bremen, Germany-based Eurockot Launch Services GmbH, a joint venture between Airbus Defence and Space and Russia’s Khrunichev State Research and Production Space Center, sells the Rockot to mainly government customers in Europe and Asia for Earth observation and science satellite launches.

[osiossim]

Interesting statement. I wonder how the company will move forward and continue selling Rockot, despite "occasional statements from Russian officials".