On February 01, 2011 at 14:00 UTC the two-stage "Rokot”, a converted ballistic missile, was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, North of Russia.
The rocket with the help of the "Breeze-KM” upper stage was to orbit the "Geo-IK-2” military research satellite. Russia has problem to contact with the satellite. A Breeze KM upper stage was supposed to fire twice to propel the satellite to an orbital altitude of 1000 kilometers. Ground experts managed to establish communication with the spacecraft. The satellite is now in the orbit with parameters which differ from the targeted ones. A Commission has been formed to investigate the situation.
photo by ISS-Reshetnev
The "Geo-IK-2” is the first of two new satellites planned for geodetic measurements of Earth's shape, rotation and gravitational field. "Geo-IK-2” is also designed to probe plate tectonics, tides and movements of the poles. Such research has military and civilian applications. Attachments: | 
