The launch of the Soyuz-2 rocket from the Plesetsk cosmodrome is possible tonight, according to the AstroAlert project. According to them, in clear weather, residents of Moscow and nearby regions will be able to see a characteristic glow in the sky — the so-called "rocket jellyfish."
The period of possible launch is defined from December 11 to 16 in the interests of the Ministry of Defense. It is expected that the launch will take place between 17:00 and 18:00 Moscow time. The rocket is expected to be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 97–98 degrees, which corresponds to an almost polar trajectory.
Due to the northern direction of the flight, the Soyuz-2 will pass low above the horizon: in Moscow, the rocket will rise by several degrees, and in St. Petersburg — by about 10. If the launch occurs between 17:00 and 17:15, a bright condensation trail illuminated by the Sun can be expected.
AstroAlert notes that the flight cyclogram includes the separation of the first stage at the second minute, the dropping of the head fairing after 2 minutes 33 seconds, and the separation of the second stage at the 4th minute 50th second after the start. At the same time, it is emphasized that there is a possibility of postponing the launch.
