Spaceflight, Inc - The Space Logistics Company - has announced that it successfully deployed the Dove 3 earth imaging spacecraft from an International Space Company (ISC) Kosmotras operated Dnepr launch vehicle for commercial customer Planet Labs, Inc..

After launching Dove 1 and 2 in April 2013, Spaceflight arranged for the launch of Dove 3 as a secondary payload through Spaceflight's launch and integration partner Innovative Space Logistics (ISL), an Innovative Solutions in Space (ISIS) subsidiary.

Using its expertise in navigating ITAR and export law, Spaceflight arranged for the United States payload to be exported to Russia for launch integration.

On November 21, 2013 at 07:10:11 UTC the Dnepr launch vehicle was ejected out of its underground Transport and Launch Canister, and roared through the atmosphere using the RD-264 first stage engine. Dove 3 was successfully deployed at 07:26:05 UTC, sixteen minutes after first stage ignition.

Curt Blake, Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Spaceflight commented, "We are thrilled to work with Planet Labs, ISL, and ISC Kosmotras to enable cost-effective and timely launch of small satellites.

"The Dnepr is a venerable launch vehicle and a great fit for small spacecraft. We already are looking forward to our next launch with Kosmotras in 2014!"

Spaceflight's next launch is slated for December 15, 2013 onboard the Orbital Sciences Corporation Antares launch vehicle ORB-1 mission in cooperation with NanoRacks and the Johnson Space Center.