MOSCOW. Dec 25 (Interfax-AVN) - A Soyuz-2.1v light launch vehicle may take off from Plesetsk on Wednesday afternoon. The launch was originally planned for December 23, Aerospace Defense Forces spokesman Col. Dmitry Zenin said.
"The mission may start at 4:30 p.m. on December 25, 2013, if the [rocket] successfully passes tests and the weather is good," Zenin said.
The Soyuz-2.1v launch site was tested on December 19-22 consistent with the program of comprehensive trials and test flights of the light launch vehicle. "The tests demonstrated the need for upgrading the ground engineering infrastructure," Zenin said.
Hence, the testing period was extended through December 24. "Upon the end of the trial period on December 25 a decision will be made about the procedure and date of a test flight of the Soyuz-2.1v light launch vehicle," Zenin said.
A source from the Plesetsk Space Center told Interfax-AVN earlier that the mission was delayed because of a liquid oxygen leak.