The Russian Space Forces successfully launched a Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome in the Arkhangelsk region. A spacecraft was put into orbit in the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
The launch took place at 05:40 Moscow time. The launch was carried out by the combat crew of the Space Forces of the Aerospace Forces.
The combat crew of the Space Forces of the Aerospace Forces successfully launched a medium-class Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle with a spacecraft in the interests of the Russian Ministry of Defence.
The previous launch of a Soyuz rocket from Plesetsk took place on April 17. At that time, spacecraft intended for the Russian Ministry of Defence were also put into orbit.
Characteristics of the Soyuz-2.1b rocket
Soyuz-2.1b is a Russian medium-class launch vehicle designed to put spacecraft into orbit. It was developed by RKTs "Progress" in Samara based on the Soyuz-U rocket as part of the Soyuz-2 family.
The key difference of Soyuz-2.1b from earlier versions is a modernized third stage with an RD-0124 engine and an improved control system. The RD-0124 engine (developed by KB "Khimavtomatika", Voronezh) is equipped with four movable combustion chambers – this allows flexible thrust vector control and significantly increases the accuracy of payload delivery, as well as making it possible to launch a larger cargo, including into low orbits.
The rocket is three-stage, its launch mass is about 312 tons, its height is approximately 46.3 meters (without the head part – about 33.9 meters). Kerosene with liquid oxygen is used as fuel.
The launch mass of the rocket is about 300 tons, and its height is approximately 50 meters. Soyuz-2.1b is one of the main Russian launch vehicles for launching satellites and spacecraft.
Read more on the topic:
- In the interests of the Ministry of Defense - the Soyuz-2.1b carrier rocket was launched from the Plesetsk cosmodrome
- Russian Aerospace Forces launched a military-purpose spacecraft