According to multiple reports, Russia has launched a military communications satellite into orbit.

On March 22, the spacecraft was launched aboard a Soyuz rocket at approximately 8:48 a.m. EDT (1248 GMT).

According to Space.com, the satellite could help with military communications.

Ria Novosti, Russia’s state-owned news agency, revealed some details about the launch.

“Satellites of the ‘Meridian’ series provide communication between sea vessels and ice reconnaissance aircraft in the area of the Northern Sea Route with coastal and ground station,” according to a translated version of Ria Novosti’s report.

“In addition, the devices enhance the capabilities of satellite communication stations in northern Siberia and the Far East.”

This is Russia’s second space rocket launch since the February 24 invasion of Ukraine.

The Russian rocket took off from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia.

It follows only a few days after another Russian space rocket launch on March 18.

The rocket took off from Kazakhstan’s Baikonur Cosmodrome, which is run by Russia.

Cosmonauts Oleg Artemyev, Denis Matveev, and Sergey Korsakov were launched on March 18 to the International Space Station.

The trio launched into space wearing yellow and blue suits, sparking widespread online debate about whether the colours were chosen to show support for Ukraine.

Roscosmos, Russia’s space agency, has denied these claims.