As part of the Federal Space Program, the Makeyev Rocket Design Bureau is developing the Air Launch system for orbiting light-weight satellites, reported Russian News Agency RIA Novosti today. Vladimir Degtyar, Makeyev's general director, said the creation of the Air Launch system is the company's main task in the above-mentioned program. He added that the project is being implemented by leading Russian space companies and Ukraine's Antonov Aircraft Design Bureau under his company's supervision. According to Degtyar, Antonov will develop a new launch vehicle based on its An-124-100 Condor (Ruslan) heavy-duty cargo jet. Degtyar said the initial design has already been completed and approved by the Central Research Institute for Machine-Building (TSNIIMASH), the State Research Institute of Aviation Systems (GOSNIIAS), the Central Aero-hydrodynamics Institute (TSAGI), the Russian Defense Ministry's No. 4 Central Research Institute and the Morinformsistema-Agat concern, which oversees R&D and production of data-exchange and control systems at shipbuilding companies. The Russian Economic Development and Trade Ministry is now coordinating the Federal Property Management Agency's order to transfer four An-124 planes under the jurisdiction of Makeyev, which is the main contractor. The project will be undertaken together with foreign partners, and the Air Launch system will be located on the island of Biak, in Indonesia. The project's business plan and feasibility study, as well as legal documents necessary for completing talks on foreign investment, have been finalized. -- SPA
