Meridian-M No.18
This mission is complete.
Vehicle
Soyuz 2.1a Fregat-M
Profile →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...
Provider
Russian Space Forces
Profile →RUS • Founded 1992
The Russian Space Forces are a branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces, that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Russia. Having been reestablished following August 1, 2015 merger betw...
Mission Brief
The Meridian series of communications satellites is reported to be the replacement for all the Molniya-1T, the Molniya-3 and Molniya-3K satellite series and possibly also for the communication component of the Parus. They are launched into highly eccentric Molniya-orbits. Meridian is the highly eccentric orbit (HEO) component of the Integrated Satellite Communications System (ISSS), where they work in conjunction with the geostationary Raduga-1M (Globus-M) satellites. The bus structure is reportedly pressurized, possibly based on the Uragan-M bus. Meridian satellites carry three transponders operating in different frequency bands.
Mission Timeline
14 / 14100%Launch Site
43/4 (43R), Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
Schedule History
No delays or schedule changes recorded.
