The Space and Air Defense Forces successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1b launcher. The launch took place at 22:54 on March 23, 2014 UTC (02:54 on March 24, 2014 MSK) from the launch pad No. 4 of the launch complex No. 43 of the Plesetsk test site. The launcher and the Fregat boost stage successfully delivered into orbit a new navigation satellite of the Glonass-M type.

The Glonass-M satellite with internal number 54 was designated Cosmos-2494 (UPDATE 05/06/2014: Cosmos-2494 is the designation listed on the official SDKM site. However, as of May 6, 2014 at least one official Glonass bulletin listed is as Cosmos-2491). It received international designation 2014-012A and NORAD IS 39620.

UPDATE 02/09/20: Apparently, the satellite was eventually designated Cosmos-2492. This is its number in the official Glonass bulletin and in Jonathan McDowell's catalog.

According to the Reshetnev Design Bureau, the satellite will be deployed in point 18 of the 3rd plane of the Glonass constellation.

Previous successful Glonass launch took place in April 2013. An attempt to launch three Glonass satellites in July 2013 was unsuccessful due to a failure of the Proton launcher.

As of March 24, 2014 the Glonass constellation includes 24 functioning satellites with three additional satellites in reserve and one undergoing flight tests.