New Russian heavy rocket was successfully test-launched from the Plesetsk space center on December 23. Angara family rockets are able to put from 3,8 to 24,5 tonnes into low Earth orbit. Russia places serious hopes on the Angara. After tests, Russia plans to launch space vehicles of all types from its territory and ensure independent guaranteed access to space. It is one of priority projects of the Russian space industry. At present time Russia can launch heavy satellites only aboard Proton rockets from Baikonur, which it leases from Kazakhstan. Various Russian orbital launchers in photo gallery by TASS.