President Vladimir Putin

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Thursday that the first launch from Vostochny cosmodrome is a significant step in the development of cosmonautics, according to his official website.

Putin congratulated the Russian space agency Roscosmos and the constructors of Vostochny cosmodrome on the first successful rocket launch.

"I want to congratulate you. You have something to be proud of. The first launch from Vostochny spaceport is a significant step in the development of Russia's cosmonautics," he said.

The rocket with three satellites has been launched from Vostochny cosmodrome early Thursday in the Far Eastern Amur region.