Posted: Sat, Sep 26, 2015, 10:37 AM ET (1437 GMT)
A Russian Rockot vehicle placed three military communications satellites into orbit on Thursday. The Rockot lifted off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome at 6:00 pm EDT Wednesday (2200 GMT Wednesday, 1:00 am Moscow time Thursday) and placed three Rodnik satellites, designated Cosmos 2507, 2508, and 2509, into orbit. The low Earth orbit satellites provide communications services for military users. Previous Rodnik launches have also included a fourth satellite used for military technology demonstration purposes, including proximity operations with the rocket's upper stage, but there was no indication such a satellite was included on this launch.

Related Links:

•  Spaceflight Now article
•  NASASpaceFlight.com article
•  Sputnik International article
•  Russian Ministry of Defense press release