Russia is about to launch its first private satellite

Russia will launch a 100% privately funded first satellite into orbit with Soyuz-2-1B boosters in February 2014, RIA Novosti reported on October 15.

A satellite launch in Russia - (Photo: Space Daily)

The small DX-1 satellite , designed and built by Dauria Aerospace, will test a number of specialized equipment, technology and software, as well as carry a device to receive automatic navigation systems. to track global shipping routes.

Daura Aerospace is planning to set up a mission control center in Skolkovo High-Tech Center to operate their satellites in the future.

General Director of Dauria Aerospace, Sergei Ivanov, said his company had signed a contract with South Korean electronics firm to supply equipment to the center.

Daura Aerospace is the first private space company in Russia, founded by entrepreneur Mikhail Kokorich in 2011 'to create a low-cost solution for space-based services' , according to the company's website.