The rocket lifted off at 16:18Moscow time (13:18 GMT). Fregat will ignite its propulsion system almost immediately after separation.
It is expected to do this the second time in another 50 minutes, while the Aist-2T satellites will be launched into orbit 1 hour, 4minutes and 18seconds after liftoff.
The Aist-2T satellites are designed for stereoscopic imaging of Earth's surface and the creation of a 3D model of the planet. Among other devices to be launched into orbit are satellites from a number of Russian universities.