Russia launches six US satellites

In a textbook launch from Kapustin Yar in the Astrakhan Region at 12:06 PM IST, the Cosmos 3M launch vehicle blasted off with six US Orbcomm Low-Earth orbit (LEO) commercial satellites, Russia's Strategic Missile Forces' spokesman Colonel Alexander Vovk said.      

Orbcomm is the world's first commercial global wireless data and messaging system.     

The system uses low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites to provide cost-effective tracking, monitoring and messaging capabilities to and from any point in the world, RIA Novosti said.      

Orbcomm currently operates 29 satellites in six orbital planes that provide worldwide coverage. These satellites are relatively small in size, weighing less than one hundred pounds and measuring only 42 inches in diameter and six inches in height.      

The Cosmos 3M is a liquid-fuelled two-stage rocket, first launched in 1967, with over 410 successful launches to date. The booster has been designed to lift a payload of up to 1,500 kg into low, medium, and high orbits.