Russia loses $200 million satellites as launch ends in flames


A still frame taken from a video shows the launch of an unmanned Russian Proton-M booster rocket, in Baikonur July 2, 2013. REUTERS/Pool via Reuters TV

ALMATY, Kazakhstan (Reuters) - A Russian rocket carrying three navigation satellites worth around $200 million (131 million pounds) crashed shortly after lift-off from the Russian-leased Baikonur launch facility in Kazakhstan on Tuesday after its engines suddenly switched off.

The accident led to a large spill of heptyl, a highly toxic rocket propellant, but there were no reports of casualties or of any immediate threat to nearby settlements.

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