Heh. Shall I, or do you want to do it?

I am also reminded of the first Ares 1 launch.

Since France is seizing funds that are owed to Russian space companies, there could be a further setback for Russia’s decadal plan.
http://behindtheblack.com/behind-the-black/points-of-information/roscosmos-budget-slashed-30/

Indeed, if the Russian ten-year plan is to spend $20 Billion, and they owe French companies “$50 billion for expropriating the assets of Yukos,” then the Russian space program may be in deep trouble.

“How’s that consolidation working out for ya?” as Robert asked in my second, “Roscosmos budget slashed,” link. It seems to me that the consolidation left Russia with decision makers who have already made very, very bad decisions.

Even the Sea Launch article tells us that the Russians (Energia) expected that they did not have to pay the owed $300 million. It looks to me like the Russian planners and decision makers expect to get “free rides” from the rest of the world.

Only someone evial, depraved, tasteless, cynical, and generally lacking in compassion would call to mind the proposed 2018 launch date for the first SLS.