Russia rocket Soyuz-ST lifts off from Kourou

Direct translation will begin at 10:25 GMT on EN.RIA.RU from the Kourou launch site where at 10:30 GMT the launch of the first ever Soyuz-ST space rocket from Kourou will take place, with two Galileo navigation system satellites on board. The launch was planned for 10:34 GMT on Thursday but was delayed due to a technical problem. According to a joint statement by Roscosmos and Arianespace, the hitch was due to a problem in the last stage of fuelling the rocket, causing the launch to be postponed. The rocket, with two satellites on board, and also the Soyuz launch system has been placed on a heightened security status. The Soyuz ST is a modification of the three-stage Soyuz-2 rocket with Fregat booster, adapted for launch in the conditions prevalent in Kourou at the Guiana space center (Center Spatiale Guianese) where there is high heat and humidity. The rocket is carrying special equipment allowing the engines to be switched off from earth – if necessary, the rocket’s flight can be controlled by an operator. The rocket is fitted with a radar transponder allowing its location to be monitored and controlled in flight. The satellites on board will be deployed as part of the European Galileo navigation system. At present, two test satellites launched in 2005 and 2008 are working in orbit. When the Galileo system is complete, up to 30 satellites, six more than in the US GPS system. Galileo is expected to enter limited service in 2014 and be fully operational by 2020 when 27 satellites will be in orbit.