Russia to launch 2 satellite programmes in 2013

Russia's first satellite manufactured and operated by a private firm will be launched in 2013, Dauria Aerospace head Mikhail Kokorich said. Russian news agency reported today that Kokorich was speaking to RBK daily and said the DX1-class 50-kg satellite will be designed to fine-tune a satellite platform and monitor the movement of ships in the world's oceans. Development of the second satellite, DRE, will start by the end of 2012, according to Kokorich. He added that several DRE-class satellites will be built to be used to provide space imagery. The company will not only build satellites but also operate them and market its services, Kokorich said.