On 30 July 2019 at 08:56 MSK (05:56 UTC) the Space Forces successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1a launcher from the launch pad No. 4 of the launch complex No. 43 of the Plesetsk space launch site. The launcher, equipped with a Fregat booster stage, delivered into orbit a new military communication satellite. The satellite, designated Meridian 8, is the first satellite of the Meridian-M type.

The satellite's NORAD number is 44453. Its international designation is 2019-046A. Previous Meridian launch took place in October 2014.