Soyuz Launched With First Two Geopositioning Galileo Satellites

A Soyuz rocket has lifted off on its maiden flight from Europe’s space base in South America, carrying the first two satellites in the Galileo geopositioning system.

The launch — the first by the veteran rocket beyond Russia’s historic bases at Plesetsk and Baikonur — is part of a commercial deal struck in 2003 to extend the range of Arianespace, which markets services from the European Space Agency (ESA) base in Kourou.

Watch the Soyuz Launched With First Two Geopositioning Galileo Satellites Video

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4L68Yxq0ZWs]