Russia launches cargo spacecraft to ISS

Russia launched an unmanned cargo spacecraft carrying fresh fruit, water, fuel and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS).

Russia on Thursday launched an unmanned cargo spacecraft carrying fresh fruit, water, fuel and other supplies to the International Space Station (ISS), occupied by three astronauts including Indian American Sunita Williams.

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Progress M-59 lifted off shortly after 0200 GMT from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan, Russia's space agency reported.

The craft also holds letters and gifts from families of the ISS' three occupants - Mike Lopez of Alegria, Sunita Williams of the US and Mikhail Tyurin of Russia.

A Russian psychologist has even included a CD he compiled to "positively" influence the mood of the inhabitants, while Tyurin's wife - who will be celebrating a silver wedding anniversary on her own in February - included books and gifts for her husband.

The new re-supply ship bears the portrait of Russia's most famous spacecraft designer - Sergei Korolev - in celebration of his 100th anniversary.