"In late 2006, NASA signed a contract with research and production association Energia [the corporation's subsidiary] on the production of two Progress spacecraft, which are to be launched in 2007 and 2008," Nikolai Sevastyanov said. "Talks to build six Soyuz and six Progress craft in 2009, 2010, and 2011 to launch American and European astronauts into space are ongoing."
Sevastyanov, who is also Energia's chief designer, said the corporation planned to double Soyuz and Progress launches by 2009, when the crew of the International Space Station increases to six from the current three members.
"We plan to launch four Soyuz and seven Progress spacecraft annually, compared to two Soyuz and four Progress craft launched annually now," he said.
Sevastyanov said the corporation would launch another 26 spacecraft by 2009 - 12 as part of a state order and 14 under commercial projects.
