This is the moment the Russian Aerospace Forces launch a Soyuz-2 carrier rocket into orbit.

The launch of the Soyuz-2 rocket into low Earth orbit with a new generation GLONASS satellite system took place at Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the north-western Russian region of Arkhangelsk Oblast at 11.50 pm on 25th June.

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, after the launch, the mission control centre of the Aerospace Forces designated the satellite system as Kosmos 2550

Shortly afterwards, the ministry announced that the carrier rocket had delivered the new-generation spacecraft into low Earth orbit.

Throughout the operation, mission control maintained stable communication with the spacecraft and its onboard systems were operating normally.

This is the second launch of the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle from Plesetsk Cosmodrome this year.

The Soyuz-2 is an upgraded version of the Soviet Soyuz rocket. In its basic form, it is a three-stage launch vehicle for placing payloads in low Earth orbit.

Compared to previous Soyuz models, the first-stage amplifiers and the two basic gears have higher-rotation engines with improved injection systems.

Digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to be launched from a fixed pad. Launchpads for previous Soyuz rockets had to be rotated because the rocket could not roll to change position in flight.