Russia launches multi-purpose satellite

Russia today successfully launched a new generation multi-purpose military satellite, which will also provide services to civilian customers.

Russia on Friday successfully launched a new generation multi-purpose military satellite, which will also provide services to civilian customers.

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The Meridian-2 series satellite was launched at 03.17 IST today and put to the orbit with the help of modernised 'Soyuz-2' carrier rocket from northern cosmodrome Plesetsk, according to Vesti FM radio.

The Meridian-series communication satellites are designed to replace the older Molniya-series spacecraft and will provide reliable military telecommunication in Arctic area and far east of the country.

The satellites would also provide communication, navigation and surveillance services for shipping in Arctic sea-lanes, the radio said.