18 Jun 2012 11:41

Proton-M with U.S. telecom satellite installed at Baikonur launch pad

BAIKONUR. June 18 (Interfax-AVN) - A Proton-M launch vehicle carrying the Sirius 5 telecom satellite was installed at the 81st launch pad of Baikonur on Sunday, a space center source told Interfax.

"The rocket was set vertically, and a service tower was moved into position. Spaceport crews began works under the first pre-launch day program," he said.

Proton-M with a Briz-M booster and the U.S. satellite aboard will blast off at 10:23 p.m. Moscow time on June 19.

The satellite will provide a full range of communication services in Europe, the Baltic region and Africa.