An unpiloted Russian cargo spacecraft has docked with the International Space Station at the second attempt.

A technical problem had prevented the spacecraft from reaching the space station, its computers placing it a safe distance from the orbiting laboratory.

The second attempt was a success, with Russian mission control reporting no problems.

Engineers are testing a new automated rendezvous system, called Kurs-NA, for possible use on future Russian spacecraft arriving at the station.

The new system will be removed and sent back to earth for examination and retooling.