We are pleased to announce another successful launch mission with the Proton M Breeze M rocket, carrying the Astra 1M satellite built by EADS Astrium for SES ASTRA. Spacecraft separation occurred, as scheduled, at 4 minutes before 1 a.m. EST. Total launch time was 9 hours, 12 minutes.

The Breeze M has successfully completed its 3rd and 4th burns. The additional propellant fuel tank was successfully jettisoned as well. The vehicle is in a five-hour coasting period. A 5th and final burn will occur at the end of that period, with separation of the Astra 1M spacecraft expected about 12 minutes after the 5th burn. We'll be back to report on that event as soon as we have confirmation.

The Breeze M has successfully completed its 3rd and 4th burns. The additional propellant fuel tank was successfully jettisoned as well. The vehicle is in a five-hour coasting period. A 5th and final burn will occur at the end of that period, with separation of the Astra 1M spacecraft expected about 12 minutes after the 5th burn. We'll be back to report on that event as soon as we have confirmation.

We have just received confirmation of the completion of Breeze M's second burn. Next up, in about two hours, the Breeze M will burn for a 3rd time, for about 10 minutes. Then it will shutdown and jettison the additional propellant tank. After jettisoning the tank, a 4th burn will begin. We will post an update when we get confirmation of the completion of the fourth burn.

The Breeze M vehicle has completed its first burn. We expect confirmation that the second burn has been completed in just over one hour from now.