Russian Soyuz missile puts four British satellites in orbit

The four artificial communication satellites have successfully separated from the Soyuz ST thruster, the Guiana Space Flight Center said Thursday.

The four satellites are currently in transitional orbit with the goal of reaching a further 8069-kilometer orbit. The satellites have released their solar batteries and broadcast ground preparation signals confirming their proper operation.

Earlier on Thursday, a Russian Soyuz-ST rocket was launched from the Kourou space station in French Guiana to carry four communications satellites designed by British company OneWeb in Earth orbit.

The company plans to transfer approximately 600 satellites into orbit to begin commercialization in 2020. By 2021, these satellites will cover the entire planet 24 hours a day.

Source: agencies