The four primary support arms that suspend Soyuz over its launch pad are shown in their opened position. During the launcher’s checkout and final countdown, these arms are closed around the Soyuz, forming a support ring at the vehicle’s “waist.”  At liftoff, Soyuz’ upward movement  decreases the loads on the support arms, allowing them to swing outward under the pull of counterweights located at their base.

One of the four primary support arms is detailed in this close-up view, taken from the inside. The upper V-shaped portion serves as a segment of the support ring for Soyuz, and also is used as a work platform to provide ground crews access to the launch vehicle.

The erected Soyuz will be partially positioned inside this 15-meter-wide circular opening on the launch table. Visible around the opening’s inner wall are four triangular-shaped guides. Two other arms are electrical supply umbilicals.

A platform known as the Soyuz “service cabin” is located under the launch table’s upper level. It is shown in the retracted position, which moves the cabin free of the circular opening for the Soyuz’ final countdown, engine ignition and liftoff. The service cabin contains operational equipment and provides access to the launcher’s lower portion. 

The rail-mounted transporter/erector system that will transfer horizontally-integrated Soyuz vehicles out to the launch pad is shown inside the Launcher Assembly Building.

A rear view shows personnel working on the coupler connection for the tug that will push the transporter/erector and its Soyuz vehicle from the assembly building to the launch pad. The transporter/erector will exit through doors at the far end of the building. Visible atop the transporter/erector is a large yellow circular structure that supports the Soyuz’ when the launcher is rolled out in its horizontal position.

Testing of the transporter/erector will be made using this fixture, which represents the Soyuz’ mass and its lower dimensions.  The two semi-circular panels in the foreground replicate the contact interface with the launcher’s two lower strap-on boosters on the transporter/erector.

The horizontal transfer of Soyuz launchers at Europe’s Spaceport will follow the same basic procedures used for ongoing Soyuz operations at Baikonur Cosmodrome. Shown here is the rollout of a Soyuz that lifted off from the Cosmodrome on May 27 with a three-member crew for the International Space Station.