Russian Next-Gen Military Satellite Successfully Reaches Designated Orbit

Russia's next-generation military satellite launched from the Plesetsk space center in northern part of the country earlier in the day has successfully reached its designated orbit, the Russian Defense Ministry said Thursday.

PLESETSK COSMODROME (Sputnik) — Earlier in the day, Russia's Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket with a next-generation military satellite was launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome.

"The launch of the carrier rocket and putting a spacecraft to the orbit were conducted in normal mode," the ministry's press service told reporters.

The carrier rocket was launched at 9:34 local time (06:34 GMT).

A third launch site for light Soyuz carrier rockets is expected to be constructed at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in 2021-2025, the Russian Defense Ministry said earlier in the day.