The Proton-M carrier rocket, launched from the Baikonur cosmodrome on Monday, has put the Luch-5B relay satellite into target orbit, the Khrunichev state space research and production center's spokesman told Interfax.

"The Luch-5B successfully separated from the Briz-M upper stage at 5:17 pm Moscow rime (GMT)," the spokesman said.

Luch-5B was developed and made by the Krasnoyarsk-based Reshetnev Information Satellite Systems.

It is the third satellite of the Luch multipurpose space responder system, intended for maintaining communication with ground services for the Russian segment of the International Space Station, low-orbit spacecraft, carrier rockets and upper stages.

The satellite weighs 1,200 kilograms and its service life is ten years. It is positioned at 95 degrees east longitude.

The Proton-M and the Briz-M upper stage were developed and made by the Khrunichev center.

Source: Voice of Russia