A Kondor radar imaging satellite of the Russian Defense Ministry launched with a Strela rocket, a conversion from the Soviet RS-18 intercontinental ballistic missile, from the Baikonur space center has reached the target orbit, a Baikonur source said.

"The satellite has separated from the launch vehicle," he said.

It was inserted in the target orbit and taken under control.

NPO Mashinostroyeniya in Reutov, Moscow region, designed and manufactured the satellite fitted with electro-optical equipment for visible and infrared imaging.

Kondor, which is weighs about 1 ton, has a service life of five years, and can transmit images with a resolution of about one meter to the Earth from an altitude of about 500 kilometers.

Strela is the result of minor changes to the two-stage liquid fuel RS-18 missile.

Source: Voice of Russia