European Space Agency: First Soyuz almost ready for launch from French Guiana

The final countdown before its maiden flight later this year has begun for Soyuz with a simulated launch campaign at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

This dry run ensures that the Soyuz and the new facilities work together perfectly, while allowing the teams to train under realistic launch conditions. It also validates all the procedures during the final phase before launch, except the fueling of the vehicle.

For more: ESA Portal - First Soyuz almost ready for launch from French Guiana