When Communism collapsed, its space Programme went down with it. Rusting metal, empty hangars and grounded spacecraft litter the Baikonour cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. Space workers now face a new challenge: survival. Their future glory depends upon maximising income. So to foot the bills they have offered the rest of the world a 'space launch' service. And, expanding into the commercial satellite launch market has proven even more lucrative than promoting Pepsi Cola! Experts flock to Kazakhstan to buy up rocket engines. In his enthusiasm one American propulsion expert even says that the Russians "are years ahead of us!" However, there remains a catch. Western powers have applauded Russia for embracing capitalism but have also imposed quota restrictions to stop them cornering the market. A detailed report on Russia's space Programme which climaxes with the launch of a Soyuz rocket manned by three Russian men and a French woman. The tension is palpable as the gleaming rocket sears into the air.

Produced by ABC Australia