Moscow, Dec 29 (IANS) 

An upgraded Soyuz rocket placed a scientific satellite into orbit after several delays earlier this week, Russian defense ministry said.

The Soyuz-2.1v light-weight rocket, which features a new engine and digital guidance system, blasted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia's northwestern region of Arkhangelsk at 16:30 Moscow time, Xinhua cited the ministry statement Saturday.

The satellite separated from the upper stage and entered the designated orbit at 18:09 Moscow time, it added.

The Soyuz is the world's frequently used rocket with more than 1,700 launches since its debut in 1966, the RIA Novosti news agency said.