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June 8, 2003
   
Russia launched another military satellite on June 5th, the second of eleven military communications and reconnaissance satellites to be launched this year. The new generation of Russian communications satellites are expected to last up to ten years. For nearly ten years after the Soviet Union dissolved in 1991, Russian satellite launches declined sharply. But a growing economy over the last few years (propelled by a maturing market economy, more law and order and high oil prices) has led to higher government income and more money for the space program.