The German-Russian Eurockot venture, which markets the Russian Rockot satellite launcher, has received a contract from the USA's E-SAT to orbit six data-messaging satellites on two launches in 1998-9. The solid-propellant Rockot will be launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russia. Eurockot is a Daimler-Benz/Khrunichev venture. The E-SAT system will provide worldwide services to gas and electricity companies from a low-Earth orbit.
Source: Flight International