Moscow, Nov 18 (IANS/TASS): Russia is building the Vostochny cosmodrome, which will enable the country get independent access to space.

It will be Russia's first cosmodrome intended for civilian space projects.

The first launch from the cosmodrome will be made in December 2015 when two satellites will be sent into space, Russian Deputy Prime minister Dmitry Rogozin said Tuesday.

"By the end of 2015, we are (going) to build a launch pad, a technical complex and a nearby township," Rogozin said.

"After the construction of the launch pad, we will get down to the Angara heavy carrier rocket project," he said.

The deputy minister said that by May 2015, both the satellites that are going to be launched would be brought to the cosmodrome.

The Vostochny cosmodrome is being built in Uglegorsk in the Amur region. It will occupy an overall territory of 700 sq km.

At present, Russia carries out planned manned space launches from the Baikonur cosmodrome, which Russia had leased from Kazakhstan.

The Vostochny cosmodrome is scheduled to go into full service in 2020.