Posted: Sun, Feb 10, 2008, 10:09 AM ET (1509 GMT)
The launch of a Norwegian communications satellite has been delayed a day because of a technical problem, Russian officials said Sunday. The Proton-M rocket was scheduled to lift off from Baikonur Cosmodrome on Sunday and place the Thor 5 satellite into orbit. However, the launch was postponed because of an unspecified technical issue; one report blamed the delay on problems with ground equipment at the launch complex. The launch has been rescheduled for Monday. The satellite, previously known as Thor-2R, is a 1,940-kilogram spacecraft built by Orbital Sciences for Telenor Satellite Broadcasting. The spacecraft, which will operate from 1 degree west in GEO, carries 24 Ku-band transponders to provide communications services for parts of Europe and the Middle East.

Related Links:

•  Itar-Tass article
•  RIA Novosti article
•  Interfax article