A Russian Proton-M rocket carrying a U.S. telecommunications satellite has been delivered to a launch pad at the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan in preparation for the February 12 launch.

The carrier rocket will put into orbit the Intelsat-16 satellite, which was developed by Orbital Sciences Corporation for the Intelsat Ltd., a leading provider of satellite services worldwide.

The Intelsat-16 satellite is equipped with 24 transponders and will provide telecommunications services to customers in Brazil and Mexico.

Intelsat Ltd. operates the world's most extensive satellite network, comprising over 50 satellites.

Russia last launched an Intelsat satellite in December last year.

MOSCOW, February 8 (RIA Novosti)