Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L
Russian Space Forces
Mission Status
Current T-0 confirmed by official or reliable sources.
Mission Updates
Added launch per NOTAMs; Payload identity and launch pad used uncertain.
Source →Mission Details
Note: Payload identity uncertain. Meridian is a series of communications satellite for military and civilian use.
Rocket Configuration
The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle.