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Proton rocket launches with navigation payload BY SPACEFLIGHT NOW UPDATED: December 10, 2003 Topped with a trio of Russian navigation satellites, a Proton rocket blasted off from Baikonur Cosmodrome today. The multi-hour launch began at 1742 GTM (12:42 p.m. EST). The Breeze M upper stage deployed a trio of Uragan spacecraft into orbit for the Glonass satellite navigation constellation at 2325 GMT (6:25 p.m. EST), according to Itar-Tass. The craft were designated Kosmos 2402, 2403 and 2404. Similar in concept to the American Global Positioning System, the Glonass network uses a fleet of orbiting satellites to relay precision location information to Russian military forces. The three new satellites launched today reportedly includes one upgraded spacecraft that more than doubles the on-orbit life expectancy of previous Uragans. This marked the second of three Proton launches scheduled from late November through the end of 2003. A Proton successfully carried two Yamal 200-series communications satellites into orbit November 24 to provide services across Russia, Europe and Southeast Asia. The Express AM-22 communications satellite is awaiting liftoff from Baikonur on December 29.
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