MOSCOW, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Russia has successfully launched 16 satellites into low Earth orbit for its communications constellation, aerospace company Bureau 1440 said Tuesday.
The satellites were sent into orbit on Monday aboard a Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket and are now under control after separating from the launcher, the company said.
The launch of the first satellites marks a transition from experimental missions to the deployment of a communications service, it added.
The company plans to begin testing services with clients in 2026, with full commercial operations targeted for 2027, local media reported. More than 250 satellites are expected to be deployed to provide global broadband coverage. ■