Russia launches weather satellite using "ecologically safe" fuel

20 January 2011 

Russia launched a weather satellite, Electro-L, from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, Itar-Tass news agency reported Thursday.

Roskomsos, the nation's space agency, said fuel burned to boost the rocket was safe for the environment.

Russian and Kazakh environmental groups have repeatedly warned that remains of the fuel would contaminate the land.

The 1766kg Electro-L has been placed on a geosynchronous orbit where it is scheduled to stay for the next 10 years.