Russia launches European telecom satellite

MOSCOW, June 3 (Xinhua) -- A Russian Proton-M rocket carrying a European-owned telecommunication satellite blasted off Monday from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, the rocket's operator said.

The rocket was launched at 01:18 p.m. Moscow time (0918 GMT). The SES-6 telecommunication satellite, built on the Eurostar 3000 platform, was expected to be separated from the Briz-M booster at 04:49 a.m. Moscow time (0049 GMT) on Tuesday, according to the Khrunichev company, the rocket's operator.

The 6,100-kg satellite, owned by European satellite operator SES World Skies, is equipped with 43 C-band and 48 K-band transponders and has a service life of 15 years.

It will be used to deliver the next generation broadcast services, including HD video distribution and mobile services, to customers in North America, Latin America, Europe and the Atlantic Ocean, the SES said on its website.

The SES-6 will be the 53rd satellite in the company's global fleet.

We recommend:
AN-2 plane crashes in Jalal-Abad region, Kyrgyzstan	Graduation ceremonies of West Point held in New York	People mourn over British fallen soldier in London
'Abused' dolls displayed in Israel	City lit up during Vivid Sydney	Jewish wedding ceremony held in Jerusalem