The Samara Space Center "TsSKB-Progress", created by a Russian presidential decree in 1996, combines the "TsSKB" Central Specialized Design Bureau and the "Progress" production plant, each of which has been a key component of the Russian and Soviet space programs for over 40 years.

The Samara Space Center is a world leader in the design of launch vehicles, spacecraft, and space systems. Its origins trace back to 1959 at the start of the space age, when a branch of the Sergei Korolev's OKB-1 design bureau (now RSC Energia) was established in the city of Kuibyshev, now known as Samara.

From there, the Center evolved a family of launch vehicles based upon the R-7 intercontinental ballistic missile developed by OKB-1.

In addition to years of experience in the manufacture of launch vehicles, the Samara Space Center has also built numerous earth observation and scientific satellites and has extensive facilities for spacecraft and systems testing.