Russia remains leader in space launches - Roscosmos

Russia remained the leader in space launches in 2012. More than 38% of space launches worldwide were performed by Russia, Roscosmos head Vladimir Popovkin said at the Friday meeting of the agency board.

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"Russia made 24 space launches in 2012. Thirty-three spacecraft were sent on missions; Russia was a part to two successful launches from the Kourou Space Center in French Guiana and three Sea Launch missions that orbited four spacecraft," Popovkin said.

Twenty-four Glonass navigation satellites are in use; four are on standby and one is undergoing flight trials. "Precision of 2.8 meters and 100% navigation accessibility have been ensured," Popovkin stressed.

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