This vehicle will be used for the 25^th Spaceport mission with Soyuz since the medium-lift launcher’s introduction at the equatorial base in 2011. Liftoff is planned before year-end.

Activity in the MIK integration facility has focused on installation of the cylindrical-conical first-stage boosters, which are clustered around Soyuz’ central core second stage. Using build-up procedures applied for the more than 1,900 total flights performed to date with this iconic Russian launch vehicle, the process is performed horizontally – allowing the four first stage boosters to be moved into position around the second stage core and secured.

The core stage has a distinctive “hammerhead” shape that enables the four first stage boosters to be clustered around it.

With the first/second stage integration completed, the Soyuz will be ready to receive its centerline third stage, completing the basic launcher’s build-up. This will enable its rollout to the ELS launch pad near the town of Sinnamary in the Spaceport’s northwestern sector, where the launcher will be raised to the vertical position – preparing it to receive the Fregat upper stage and the payload.

The upcoming mission is designated Flight VS25 in Arianespace’s launch family numbering system, and will use the Soyuz ST-A launcher version. Soyuz is operated side-by-side at the Spaceport with Arianespace’s two other launch vehicles: the heavyweight Ariane 5 and light-lift Vega.

This ground-level view inside the MIK integration facility shows the basic Soyuz launcher’s build-up process underway. Two of the first-stage boosters already have been mated to the hammerhead-shaped second stage core, while the third booster is lowered into position. Soyuz’ fourth booster is ready at the right, secured by a mobile jig that is on the MIK facility’s floor-level rail system.

• Larger versions of the photos above are available for downloading in the Gallery.