(Associated Press WorldStream via NewsEdge) A Russian Proton-M rocket lifted off from the Russian-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan with the Arabsat-4B satellite, an Arab communications satellite, attached to the upper stage, Russian news agencies quoted Russian space officials as saying.
The rocket was to put the satellite in its targeted orbit within a few hours, ITAR-Tass and Interfax reported.
The satellite was launched for the Arab communications company Arabsat, which on its Web site called it the Badr-4. According to ITAR-Tass, the communications satellite should operate for 15 years.
Russia's launch of the Arabsat-4A satellite failed last winter when the rocket was unable to deliver it into the designated orbit after separation from the Proton-M booster.
© 2006 The Associated Press
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