Russia's first satellite manufactured and operated by a private firm will be launched next year, Dauria Aerospace head Mikhail Kokorich told RBK daily.

The DX1-class 50-kg satellite will be designed to "fine-tune a satellite platform, monitor the movement of ships in the world's oceans and test a variety of payloads," he said.

Development of the second satellite, DRE, will start by the end of this year, he said, adding 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.

Source: RIA Novosti