MOSCOW, July 20 (Xinhua) -- Russian aerospace company Bureau 1440 has launched a second batch of low-Earth orbit satellites as part of its efforts to build a communications constellation, local media reported Monday.
The satellites were successfully launched on Sunday and have been placed under the control of the company's mission control center after separating from the launch vehicle and reaching their designated parking orbit, according to the company.
The satellites will begin transferring to their operational orbit following in-orbit checks and commissioning, the company added.
The newly launched satellites are equipped with upgraded systems, including inter-satellite laser communication terminals and plasma propulsion systems, all built on the company's proprietary platform.
Bureau 1440, part of Russia's ICS Holding, is developing a domestic low-Earth orbit satellite constellation to provide high-speed data transmission services with global coverage. The company launched its first 16 satellites in March and plans to deploy more than 250 in total. ■