According to Aleksey Kuznetsov, head of the Russian Space Troops press service, the next trial launch of the Soyuz-2 medium carrier rocket will take place at Plesetsk Cosmodrome in 2006.
"The first test launch of the Soyuz-2 carrier rocket was successfully carried out on 8 November 2004. The next launch of this rocket, carrying a payload and fitted with the Fregat booster, is slated for 2006" - Aleksey Kuznetsov.
The Plesetsk Cosmodrome had been working on modernising the launch system and technical system for launching the Soyuz-2 medium carrier rocket with the Fregat booster since 2001.
"The modernization is aimed at increasing reliability of carrier rockets, increasing the accuracy with which payloads are put into orbit and reducing the production cost. The modifications to the Soyuz rocket are so the Fregat booster can be used, which will increase the accuracy with which payloads are put into the intended orbit" - Aleksey Kuznetsov.
