On March 21, 2016, operations were started at the Vostochny cosmodrome to dryrun a Soyuz-2-1a launch-vehicle with the Volga upper stage. Operations will last till March 25.

Qualified personnel from JSC SRC Progress and other involved enterprises perform operations to comprehensively verify all systems of the launch-vehicle, upper stage and launching facility and to prepare the launch-vehicle and the upper stage at the launch pad. Within the scope of those operations the integrated launch-vehicle has been already transported to the launching facility and erected on the launch pad. The personnel will check connectivity of all ground systems and the integrated launch-vehicle, perform electric tests of the control system and measuring systems. The full-scale testing (“dry run”) of the launching pad will comprise general testing (simulation of the launch time-line and launch-vehicle flight). Launch-vehicle fuelling and fuel draining will also be simulated. Upon completion of work, possible remarks will be settled.

“The dry run will show the readiness of the launch-vehicle and the launching facility for the maiden launch and the launch crew will be trained,” said D.A. Baranov, launch manager.

The Soyuz-2-1a launch-vehicle is in operation since 2004 but to be launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome it was improved and upgraded. The upgraded onboard computer became more up-to-date, productive and less in size. Due to the upgrade, the onboard cabling of the control system also dramatically decreased in size. New chemical power sources installed in the launch-vehicle are constant-ready batteries and do not require any charging accumulator plant. Besides, the Soyuz-2 launch pad has a mobile gantry to provide convenient access for personnel to all service areas of the launch-vehicle erected on the launch pad. There are special vapor discharge devices to remove liquid oxygen vapors outside the mobile gantry.