MOSCOW, February 12. /TASS/. Russia’s space launch operator, Glavcosmos Launch Services, is preparing 40 satellites for their launch with the help of Soyuz carrier rockets, the company’s press office said on Tuesday.

"As part of the upcoming Soyuz mission in 2019 under commercial contracts with Glavcosmos and Glavcosmos Launch Services, foreign small satellites are planned to be launched. In particular, Exolaunch GmbH intends to launch up to 40 small space vehicles," the press office noted.

Now these satellites are being prepared for their launch, the press office added.

The launches of Soyuz carrier rockets are planned to be increased to 20-22 in 2019, CEO of the Progress Space Rocket Center (the manufacturer of these rockets) Dmitry Baranov said earlier.

According to the chief executive, four spaceports will be used for these purposes. Overall, 45 rocket launches will be held this year, including Protons with a module of the International Space Station (ISS), heavy Angara carriers, Soyuz rockets and others.