The first rockets launched from Vostochny cosmodrome will make their way to the Moon, ITAR-TASS reports with reference to the head of Federal Space Agency, Vladimir Popovkin.

"The first rocket will be launched from Vostochny cosmodrome in 2015. It will carry Luna-Glob spacecraft as a payload. We will start the exploration of Moon from this cosmodrome", - he noted.

In addition, a rocket carrying new-generation manned transport spacecraft (NG MTS) will be launched from the cosmodrome in 2018 in the network of Lunar Program.

As previously reported the flight testing of NG MTS will be started in 2017. The Federal Space Agency has corrected the performance specifications for the spacecraft. Itsdevelopmentisunderway.

It is planned to use “Zenit” carrier rocket for placing Luna-Glob spacecraft into orbit. Luna-Glob project assumes studying of topography, chemical and mineral composition of moon rocks; searching for ice in the so-called “cold traps” near the lunar poles; studying the effects caused by interaction between Moon and interplanetary atmosphere. The spacecraft will be fitted with drilling devices and seismometers, which will help the scientists study the internal structure of Moon and its core.