Meridian-M No.18
Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M
Russian Space Forces
Mission
Meridian-M No.18
Type: Communications
The Meridian series of communications satellites is reported to be the replacement for all the Molniya-1T, the Molniya-3 and Molniya-3K satellite series and possibly also for the communication component of the Parus. They are launched into highly eccentric Molniya-orbits.
Meridian is the highly eccentric orbit (HEO) component of the Integrated Satellite Communications System (ISSS), where they work in conjunction with the geostationary Raduga-1M (Globus-M) satellites. The bus structure is reportedly pressurized, possibly based on the Uragan-M bus. Meridian satellites carry three transponders operating in different frequency bands.
Location
43/4 (43R)
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
1653 rockets have launched from Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
Agency
Russian Space Forces
Type: Government
Abbreviation: VKS
Administration: Aleksandr Golovko
Founded: 1992
Country: RUS
The Russian Space Forces are a branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces, that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Russia. Having been reestablished following August 1, 2015 merger between the Russian Air Force and the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces after a 2011 dissolving of the branch. The Russian Space Forces were originally formed on August 10, 1992 and the creation of the Russian Armed Forces.
