Russian military satellite will be launched from Plesetsk cosmodrome

The first space vehicle in 2004 is scheduled for launch on Wednesday at Plesetsk cosmodrome (southern Arkhangelsk Region in the north of Russia's European part) on behalf of the Defense Ministry, said cosmodrome officials.

The Kosmos military communications satellite will be orbited with the Molniya-M medium launch vehicle. Its start is planned for 10.05, Moscow time.

The Molniya-M liquid-fuel four-stage medium launch vehicle is considered one of the most reliable in the world. It is designed to inject space vehicles under 2,000 kg in high-elliptic orbits. Such launch vehicles have been launched from Plesetsk cosmodrome since 1970.