A PROTON ROCKET LIFTS OFF AT THE BAIKONUR COSMODROME, 2000-12-01 (photo)

The nineteenth launch of the Proton for International Launch Services, carries the Sirius 3 spacecraft into a high inclination, highly elliptical orbit from Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan, on December 1, 2000. Sirius-3 built by Space Systems Loral, will join its two companion spacecraft that were launched earlier this year. Sirius Satellite Radio plans to deliver by subscription 50 channels of commercial-free music and up to 50 channels of entertainment programming to motorists throughout the continental United States. ILS is a joint venture between Lockheed Martin Corporation of the United States, and Khrunichev Space Center and RSA of Russia. KER/RCS