OREANDA-NEWS. December 26, 2008.  Russia launched 27 LVs this year, thus confirming its first place in the world.

Today`s launch of Proton-M with three Glonass-M satellites aboard became the 27-th for Russia this year.

Most of Russian launchers in 2008 lifted off from Baikonur (19), which is rented from Kazakhstan for USD 115 mln. per year. Then, there comes Plesetsk (6), Yasny (1) and Kapustin Yar (1).

Proton-M made 9 successfull launches; one launch was made by Proton-K and one by Rockot; all three produced by Khrunichev Space Center. Then, Soyuz-U, Soyuz-FG and Soyuz-2 made 8 launches and Molniya-M made one launch (these are manufactured by TSKB-Progress). Cosmos-3M produced by Polyot comany, Omsk, was flown three times. Russian-Ukranian Dnepr (2) and Zenith (1) come next.

In addition, 5 Zenith-SL rockets were launched from the Sea Launch platform. The USA launched 14 LVs this year, including 4 shuttles. Then goes China with 11 rockets flown, and Europe with six.

Roscosmos Press Office notes that launch services represent high technology similar to those used for nano-production. Roscosmos is not inclined to step back in this area, even during the world crisis.