Russia launched a new model of booster rocket on Monday following two postponements, news agencies reported. The launch, which was originally scheduled to take place on October 29, was put off in order to correct software flaws and perform additional tests.

According to the Interfax news agency, “The Soyuz-2 rocket blasted off from the Plestsesk launch pad in northern Russia carrying a mock-up of an unspecified space apparatus.”

The booster is a modernized version of the Soyuz rocket, which has been a workhorse of the Soviet and then the Russian space program since the 1960’s. It has an excellent safety record.

According to Interfax, the new rocket is equipped with an updated digital control system. What this means is that it requires fewer people to oversee its launch and monitor its control system. The rocket also has more power.

In addition to using the Soyuz-2 for its own manned and unmanned space program, Russia plans to use the booster for commercial space launches from the Kourou launch pad in French Guiana, commencing in 2006, under a deal reached with the European Space Agency.