First module of international space station ready

Russian and American space officials say the first module of a future international space station has been completed and is ready for shipment to the launch site in Kazakhstan.

The module, which has been built by Russia and funded by the United States, will provide the initial propulsion and power for the space station.

It is due to be launched in June -- with the other modules that make up the station following at intervals and being assembled in orbit.The European Space Agency, Canada, and Japan are also involved in the project which will provide a replacement for Russia's ageing Mir space station.

The first crew members are due to arrive next year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service