The Russian Ministry of Defense released footage showing the rollout and launch of a Soyuz-2.1v rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, featuring a military satellite aboard. The video was shared by REN TV, offering viewers a closer look at the mission and its milestones.
In accompanying remarks, officials noted that the images depict the Soyuz-2.1v rocket during its liftoff and clarified the context of the release for audiences following the ongoing aerospace program. The presentation underscores the ministry’s role in publicizing launch activities and providing insight into the progression of space operations tied to defense objectives.
Military authorities confirmed that the launch occurred from the Arkhangelsk region facility on Friday, February 9, at 10:03 Moscow time, marking another operation conducted by the Aerospace Forces of the Russian Federation, also known as VKS. The event was part of a broader schedule of launches aimed at advancing strategic capabilities and supporting national defense priorities.
Prior to the liftoff, the satellite had already been placed into orbit, with the Ministry of Defense reporting that the spacecraft was engaged in telemetric communications and that onboard systems were functioning normally. The successful transfer to orbit demonstrated the reliability of the launch vehicle and the integration of the satellite into the defense network it was designed to support.
According to official statements, the Soyuz-2.1v launch vehicle has previously deployed a military satellite into orbit and has since been incorporated into the control framework of the Aerospace Forces. This sequence reflects the ongoing effort to expand space-based capabilities for defense, surveillance, and secure communications as part of Russia’s broader space program.
Roscosmos concluded 2023 with the announcement of three experimental reconnaissance satellites reaching orbit, highlighting the country’s continued advancement in space experimentation and data gathering for defense and intelligence purposes. These developments feed into a wider strategic initiative to maintain robust space operations and extend situational awareness across a growing satellite constellation.
Earlier reporting indicated plans to deploy a satellite network intended to improve internet connectivity, signaling an emphasis on expanding satellite-enabled communications as part of national infrastructure and security ecosystems. The combined trajectory of launches and orbital deployments points to a concerted effort to enhance both strategic surveillance capabilities and resilient communications networks for defense and civilian applications alike. This ongoing program continues to be monitored by official channels and is communicated publicly to inform allied partners and the general public about milestones and next steps in space-based defense initiatives. [attribution: Russian Ministry of Defense]