Russia launches US satellite

Moscow, March 26 (IANS) A Russian rocket carrying a US telecommunications satellite blasted off from the Baikonur space centre in Kazakhstan Sunday.

The Proton-M rocket carrying Intelsat-22 lifted off at 4.10 p.m., Russia's Roscosmos space agency said.

The satellite is equipped with 90 transponders to provide telecommunications services in Europe, Africa, Southeast Asia and the Middle East, Xinhua reported.

A special equipment is installed on the satellite that will aid the Australian defence force. The six-tonne satellite is expected to operate for 15 years.

The satellite was developed by Boeing Space and Intelligence Systems for Intelsat Ltd., an international consortium that operates the world's most extensive satellite network, comprising over 50 satellites.