Russia on Thursday put a new military satellite into orbit, a spokesman for the Space Forces said.

Alexei Zolotukhin said the Raduga-series satellite was launched with a Proton-M rocket from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan.

Space Forces Commander Maj. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko said the satellite "is a new project that will help significantly increase the capabilities of the space communication system."

Russia reportedly operates a constellation of 60-70 military satellites with reconnaissance, missile early warning and other capabilities.

Ostapenko earlier said Russia would be using new-generation Angara-class carrier rockets for launches from the Plesetsk center to reduce Moscow's dependence on Baikonur, the main launch facility for the current generation of Russian rockets.

MOSCOW, January 28 (RIA Novosti)