MOSCOW, April 11. /TASS/. Russia is determined to maintain peaceful environment in outer space and supports the development of space-related science and technologies, Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said in a statement.
She made the statement in connection with the successful launch of an Angara-A5 booster rocket from the Vostochny Cosmodrome, which was dedicated to Cosmonautics Day.
"We reaffirm the determination to preserve space as an exclusively peaceful environment. We stand for the steady development of space science and technology, as well as equitable and mutually beneficial cooperation in the exploration and use of near-Earth space for peaceful purposes with all those who are interested in it," Zakharova said.
The diplomat said that the Angara-A5 launch reaffirmed "the status of the Russian Federation as a leading space power that fully ensures its sovereignty in the area of space launches from its territory."
The Angara-A5 blasted off from launching pad 1A at the Vostochny Cosmodrome at noon on April 11. It was the first launch of an Angara family rocket from Vostochny. It was also the sixth Russian space launch since the beginning of the year and the second launch from this cosmodrome so far this year. The Orion upper stage of the rocket was successfully put into a support orbit.