Russia to launch a Japanese satellite

PLESETSK, Russia, Aug. 13 (UPI) -- Russian space officials say they will launch a Japanese satellite in October that's designed to test household electronic appliances in space.

Russia's Novosti news agency says the Japanese satellite will carry 40 items, including computers and mobile phones, to check their performance and durability in the harsh conditions of space.

The satellite will lift off Oct. 8 from Russia's northern space center in Plesetsk.

Strong takeoff vibrations, huge differences of day and night temperatures and cosmic rays are expected to help Japanese designers to develop better performing household equipment.

The satellite is expected to remain in orbit for two years.