On Thursday, December 25, at 17:11, a combat unit of the Space Forces of the Russian Federation Aerospace Forces successfully carried out the launch of a medium-class Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket
The launch was conducted from the State Test Cosmodrome of the Ministry of Defense, known as the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, located in the Arkhangelsk region.
According to the official statement, the rocket launch and the insertion of the satellite into its planned orbit proceeded normally, with no anomalies recorded. After liftoff, the Soyuz-2.1a was tracked by the assets of the automated ground control complex of the Herman Stepanovich Titov Main Space Test Center.
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At the scheduled time, the satellite was successfully placed into its designated orbit and taken under control by the ground systems of the Space Forces. Authorities confirmed that a stable telemetry link was established and maintained with the spacecraft, indicating that all onboard systems are operating within normal parameters.
The launch reinforces the routine of space missions conducted by the Russian Aerospace Forces from Plesetsk, one of the country’s main military space operations centers, primarily used for launches into polar and high-inclination orbits.
Soyuz-2.1a
The Soyuz-2.1a is a Russian medium-class carrier rocket, part of the new-generation Soyuz family, designed to place satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) as well as polar and sun-synchronous orbits. It is a direct evolution of the classic Soyuz-U and Soyuz-FG, incorporating modernized control systems and greater operational flexibility.
Main technical characteristics
- Height: approximately 46 meters
- Launch mass: about 308 tons
- Stages: three main stages
- Payload capacity: up to about 7 tons to low Earth orbit
- Propulsion: kerosene (RP-1) and liquid oxygen (LOX) engines
The Soyuz-2.1a is widely used by Roscosmos and the Russian Ministry of Defense, and is one of the primary launch vehicles for military missions from Plesetsk, especially into high-inclination orbits. Its reliability and operational track record keep it as one of the pillars of the contemporary Russian space program.
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Source and images: Telegram @mod_russia | Roscosmos. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
