Rocket Soyuz-2.1b launched from Plesetsk in northern Russia. Archive photo from the Russian Ministry of Defense

By The Smartencyclopedia Staff & Agencies

In a development raising concerns over regional security, Russia launched a military rocket carrying a space installation from the Plesetsk Space Center in north Russia. The rocket, identified as a Soyuz-2.1b carrier, took off at 11:48 am on Thursday, according to the Russian Ministry of Defence.

The military space installations onboard the rocket have stirred international interest and prompted Norway’s attention, as the rocket’s trajectory brought it into visible range over the northern Norwegian town of Kirkenes. A journalist from the Sør-Varanger Avis captured footage of the space installation as it traversed the sky over Kirkenes.

This launch occurs at a time when Russia has implemented restrictions in the Barents Sea due to ongoing military activities. The Russian Notice to Airman (NOTAM) designates significant portions of the Barents Sea, including areas north of the Kola Peninsula and the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) north of Bear Island. The NOTAM, in effect from December 21st to 25th, indicates an “Impact area for Russian missiles.”

The closure of these maritime zones aligns with Russia’s earlier announcements regarding the launch of a Soyuz 2.1 rocket and an Arktika-M No.2 from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The specific details of the military space installations and the purpose behind the rocket launch remain undisclosed.

The rocket’s visible presence over northern Norway underscores the interconnected nature of regional security, with neighboring countries monitoring such activities closely. The international community will likely scrutinize Russia’s actions and seek clarifications on the military significance of the launched space installation.