Russian Soyuz-ST booster with Fregat-MT upper stage and four European 03b satellites to provide internet communication for the distant parts of the world was successfully launched from Kourou spaceport in French Guiana.
Ha launch took place at 21.37, Moscow time. The first two satellites separated at 23.37, the second two – at 23.59, – the spokesman stated.
Space head comprising upper stage and space devices separated from the booster 9 minutes after the launch.
03b satellites are designed to form new European medium-altitude space communication system as well as to provide internet access and telecommunication services for Asia, Africa, Latin America and Middle East.
Russian Soyuz-ST booster developed on the basis of Soyuz-2 booster is aimed to perform commercial launches of space devices under high-humidity conditions from Kourou spaceport situated in French Guiana at the equator.
It was adjusted for Guiana Space Center requirements in terms of safety, telemetry system and operative conditions.
The previous Soyuz-ST booster with 03b satellites was launched in July 2014 orbiting 4 satellites. Four 03b satellite have been already operating on the orbit since June 2013.
