The State Commission has authorized the fueling and launch of the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket. It will put 52 spacecraft into orbit, including the Aist-2T satellites No. 1 and No. 2. This was reported by Roscosmos.
The launch is scheduled from site 1S of the Vostochny Cosmodrome at 16:18 Moscow time.
Approximately 9.5 minutes after launch, the head unit of the rocket, together with the Fregat upper stage, will separate from the third stage. The main payload consists of the Aist-2T spacecraft No. 1 and No. 2 and 50 small spacecraft. The satellites will enter orbit within an hour after the rocket launch.
The Aist-2T satellites are designed for remote sensing of the Earth, surveying its surface, and creating stereoscopic images, which are used to create digital terrain models. They will also be used to monitor emergency situations (fires, floods, and volcanic activity). Both devices will work together to improve data accuracy. The planned active service life of the satellites is at least five years.
