Posted: Sun, Dec 23, 2007, 11:36 AM ET (1636 GMT)
A Soyuz rocket launched on Sunday a Progress spacecraft carrying cargo for the International Space Station. The Soyuz lifted off from the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 2:12 am EST (0712 GMT) Sunday and placed the Progress M-62 spacecraft into low Earth orbit. The spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS at 3:30 am EST (0830 GMT) Wednesday; the spacecraft will take a three-day approach to the station rather than the typical two-day flight "to prepare the spacecraft's systems for docking with the ISS more carefully," according to Russian media reports. On board the spacecraft is a typical assortment of food, water, and other supplies, as well as Christmas presents for the three-person crew. the launch comes one day after an older spacecraft, Progress M-61, undocked from the station; it will remain in orbit for several weeks performing unspecified experiments before it reenters.

Related Links:

•  RIA Novosti article
•  AFP article
•  Itar-Tass article