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Soyuz to make first-launch second attempt in Kourou

The first-ever liftoff of the Russian rocket from outside the former Soviet territory has been rescheduled for 14:30 Moscow time

KOUROU SPACEPORT, October 21 (Itar-Tass) —— The Russian Soyuz rocket will make another attempt to blast off for the first time from the Kourou spaceport in French Guiana on Friday following a delay that was due to a leaky valve in the fuelling system.

The first-ever liftoff of the Russian rocket from outside the former Soviet territory has been rescheduled for 14:30 Moscow time. The Soyuz is carrying the first two satellites in Europe’s Galileo global positioning system.

Arianespace CEO Jean-Yves Le Gall said the launch was postponed because of a problem in a valve used to disconnect the rocket's fueling system on take-off.

The faulty part would be replaced.

Russia and France agreed to use Kourou for Soyuz flights in 2003 and two-four liftoffs are planned every year. Arianespace has ordered 23 Russian rockets with a 3-4-ton payload which is inbetween light Vega rocket and heavy Ariane-5.

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