Russia's space agency opens Instagram account for public relations

Russia's federal space agency says it has opened an account on the image-sharing network Instagram to improve its public relations. The Roscosmos agency said it wanted improved lines of communication to bolster public excitement about spaceflight and keeping those interested informed about current space mission and activities. The first images uploaded to the Roscosmos Instagram account included pictures of cosmonauts, the launch of a Proton rocket, spacecraft at the International Space Station and photos of the Earth and moon, RIA Novosti reported Wednesday. Roscosmos spokeswoman Irina Zubareva said the agency's Twitter and Facebook accounts opened last month had already attracted a number of useful comments. In utilizing social media Roscosmos is following in the footsteps of NASA; the U.S. space agency has long had a presence on social media sites and maintains over 100 Twitter feeds for a variety missions.