Posted: Tue, Aug 12, 2003, 8:47 PM ET (0047 GMT)
A Soyuz rocket successfully launched a Russian military satellite on Tuesday, according to Russian reports. The Soyuz0U booster lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan at 10:20 am EDT (1420 GMT) and placed the Kosmos 2399 satellite into low Earth orbit. The nature of the satellite, operated by the Russian Ministry of Defense, remained classified, although Western analysts believe it is likely a reconnaissance satellite. Another Russian military launch is scheduled for next week, when a Kosmos booster is expected to launch a small Russian navigation satellite.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  RIA Novosti article