Launch of Soyuz-2.1b rocket with Ionosphere-M satellites from Vostochny Cosmodrome
The regional Rescue Service press office announced the discovery of separated fragments from a Soyuz-2.1b rocket in two districts of Yakutia. These remnants are slated for evacuation and transport back to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
The Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle was launched from the Vostochny Cosmodrome on Friday at 8:54 AM Moscow time. It successfully deployed two “Ionosphere-M” heliogeophysical satellites and eighteen small satellites into orbit.
According to the Rescue Service, the jettisoned rocket components landed in the Aldansky and Vilyuisky districts of Yakutia.
Environmental specialists have already collected samples and measured gamma radiation levels in the Vilyuisky district. The agency further stated that the recovered fragments would be placed in containers and transported back to the Vostochny Cosmodrome.
Rupert Blackwood 
Clement Ashworth