Russia sends new military satellite into space

Russia sent a new military satellite into space Thursday intended to improve communication facilities.

The Raduga-series satellite was launched with a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, said Alexei Zolotukhin, a spokesman for the Space Forces.

Space Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko said the satellite “is a new project that will help significantly increase the capabilities of the space communication system”.

Russia reportedly operates a constellation of 60-70 military satellites with reconnaissance, missile early warning and other capabilities.

Ostapenko said Russia would be using new-generation Angara-class carrier rockets for launches from the Plesetsk centre to reduce Moscow’s dependence on Baikonur, the main launch facility for the current generation of Russian rockets.