Russia successfully test-launched Monday a new generation rocket, the Soyuz-2, according to space officials quoted by Russian news agencies.
The rocket was launched at 9:30 pm (1830 GMT) from the Plesetsk space center in northwestern Russia, a Russian space official said. Eight minutes later, it put into orbit a model of a satellite.
The launch was delayed twice after problems with computer software were found.
The rocket is designed to deliver military and commercial satellites as well as manned craft into orbit.
Entirely Russian-built, it replaces the trusty but obsolescent Soyuz rocket, whose technology dates back to the 1960s.
Some of its commercial satellite launches may take place at the French space base at Kourou in French Guiana.
Advances in computer technology mean that launch teams can be cut from 70 people to 20. Only two experts are needed to guide its flight, compared with 40 previously.
