"Roscosmos" has postponed the launch of the first experimental spacecraft from the "Marathon-IoT" satellite constellation.
Initially, according to satellite manufacturers from "RESHETNEV", it was supposed to go into orbit at the end of 2023, but the launch date was moved to the first quarter of 2024. Now the launch has been postponed again.
According to TASS, citing "Roscosmos", this was done "in order to further check the software, as well as to clarify the program of additional research". After all the procedures, the satellite will go into orbit as a payload, but the approximate launch dates are no longer named.
"Marathon-IoT" is a satellite constellation for providing Internet of Things services, part of the "Sphere" program. The constellation will consist of 264 spacecraft. Half of the Marathon IoT orbital constellation - 132 regular satellites, plus five Marathon experimental vehicles - are being produced by JSC "RESHETNEV". To speed up the assembly of satellites, they use additive technologies and test new promising materials - in particular, domestic carbon fiber.