Posted: Wed, Nov 11, 2009, 6:49 AM ET (1149 GMT)
The first two Soyuz rockets scheduled to launch from a new launch site in French Guiana have left Russia, Arianespace announced. The rockets are being shipped from St. Petersburg, Russia, to Kourou, French Guiana on a vessel normally used to ship Ariane launchers from Europe. The rockets will be the first two to be launch from a new launch facility being completed at the European spaceport in French, Guiana, in 2010. Arianespace has ordered 14 Soyuz rockets so far, with nearly all of those already booked for various satellites.

Related Links:

•  AFP article
•  RIA Novosti article
•  Arianespace press release