The Proton-M rocket was launched Wednesday at 2232 GMT, releasing the Amazonas satellite into orbit, Spanish and Russian officials said.

The satellite, which belongs to the Spanish company Hispasat and weighs 1,000 pounds (4,540 kilograms) reached orbit Thursday at 0701 GMT, Russian officials said.

Amazonas is equipped to provide Spain, Portugal and France with telephone, Internet and digital television access.

SPACE.WIRE