Russia launched military rocket. It could be seen over northern Norway

According to the Russian Ministry of Defence, a rocket carrier type Soyuz-2.1b was Thursday at 11.48 am launched from Plesetsk, the space launch center in the north Russian region of Arkhangelsk.

The rocket carries military space installations, the ministry informs.

Shortly after launch, the rocket could be seen over northern Norway. A journalist working at the Sør-Varanger Avis filmed the space installation as it moved over the border town of Kirkenes. “It looks as if the rocket and the carrier now separate,” the journalist reported.  

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As reported by the Barents Observer, Russia has this week closed off major parts of the Barents Sea because of military activity. 

The Notice to Airman (NOTAM) includes a large area north of the Kola Peninsula, as well as an area in the Norwegian Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) north of the Bear Island in the Barents Sea.

The NOTAM also includes an area in the outer parts of the Varanger fjord, only about 100 north of Kirkenes. The NOTAM covers the period from December 21st to 25th.

The NOTAM reads “Impact area for Russian missiles”.

Russia had previously announced a Soyuz 2.1 rocket for launch, as well as an Arktika-M No.2 from Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan.