Russia Launches Soyuz 2.1b Rocket with Military Satellite in 2026
On February 5, 2026, the Soyuz 2.1b rocket launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in northern Russia, carrying at least one military satellite for the Russian Aerospace Forces. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed a single satellite, designated Kosmos 2600, while US Space Force detected nine objects in orbit, suggesting the main satellite may have deployed smaller ones. This marks Russia's first rocket launch of the year amid a decline in its space program. Three additional launches are planned in Q1 2026, including a test flight of the Soyuz 5 rocket.

On February 5, 2026, the Soyuz 2.1b rocket launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome in Russia, reportedly carrying a military satellite for the Russian Aerospace Forces. The Ministry of Defense confirmed one satellite, Kosmos 2600, while US Space Force identified nine objects in orbit, indicating possible deployments of additional satellites from a primary platform.
This launch is Russia's first of 2026 and highlights the country's struggling space program, which previously conducted numerous commercial flights until 2022. Three more launches are scheduled for the first quarter, including the Soyuz 5 test flight and the final Proton-M mission.




Comments