Preparations to launch Rokot booster proceed according to schedule

Preparations to launch the Rokot booster from the Russian Plesetsk launching site proceed according to schedule, the press service of the Russian Space Troop has been quoted as saying.

On Friday, the launching site experts completed one of the most difficult operations. They attached the post-boost vehicle to the Rokot light booster. The rocket has already been vertically installed on the land launch pod /pod #133/ in a transport-launch container.

The post-boost vehicle contains two US Iridium satellites attached to the Briz-KM boost block.

The Rokot is expected to enter the orbit on June 19th 2002. Before this deadline, experts will carry out complex tests of the rocket's electric circuits, on-board systems and of those of the launch pod.