On February 26, 2011, the Space Forces conducted a successful launch of a Soyuz-2.1b launcher. The launch was conducted at 06:07 MSK (03:07 UTC) from the launch pad No. 4 of the launch complex No. 43 of the Plesetsk launch site. The launcher, equipped with a Fregat boost stage, carried the first Glonass-K navigation satellite. The satellite successfully reached its nominal orbit.

The satellite received international designation 2011-009A and NORAD number 37372. The spacecraft was designated Cosmos-2471 and Glonass number 701 (it was used before by Cosmos-2404). It was deployed in the third orbital plane of the Glonass constellation.

The new generation Glonass-K satellites have extended operational lives and are designed to provide better accuracy.

[Edited on 3/1/2011 and 3/3/2011 to update the satellite designation.]