A Russian Proton-K rocket has blasted a European satellite carrying a €330 million research laboratory into orbit from the Baikonur cosmodrome in ex-Soviet Kazakhstan.
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The Russian Proton-K rocket takes off this morning Photograph: European Space Agency
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The state-of-the-art "Integral" laboratory, which the European Space Agency has been preparing since 1989, will be used to study radioactive gamma rays, and is to remain in orbit for five years.
"Integral", at two tonnes, is the largest satellite ESA has ever put into orbit.
The successful launch took place a little more than a day after a rocket exploded on lift-off from Russia's second base, Plesetsk, just inside the Arctic circle, killing a serviceman.
Mr David Southwood, head of the ESA Science Programme, said Tuesday night's explosion at Plesetsk would have no affect on co-operation between Russia and the agency.
"We understand this is a risky business and that accidents happen," he told reporters. "We are optimistic and we think that yesterday's accident will not affect our joint work".