Tsyklon rocket launches Russian spy satellite
BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW
Posted: December 21, 2001

A Ukrainian-built Tsyklon 2 rocket launched a Russian electronic intelligence-gathering satellite today from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.

Dubbed Kosmos 2383, the spacecraft was delivered into the target orbit following liftoff at 0400 GMT (11 p.m. EST Thursday), Russian news reports said.

The satellite is based upon the US-PU design and will be used for naval reconnaissance purposes.

Meanwhile, a Tsyklon 3 rocket is awaiting launch from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia loaded with six communications satellites. Liftoff is reportedly targeted for Saturday.