Soyuz strap-on booster separation

Venus EXpress is launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome Kazakhstan, on board a Soyuz-Fregat rocket. The Soyuz R7 is the most often used and most reliable launch vehicle in history. The four strap-on boosters are seen here separating from the original core rocket. Venus Express is protected under the white nosecone (or 'fairing').