Meridian-M No.19LSoyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M Russian Space Forces Launch Status Success Thu ยท Feb 20th, 2020 3:24 AM - 5:00 AM EST Watch Online https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfNy1QjSafU Mission Meridian-M No.19L Type: Communications Meridian is a series of communications satellite for military and civilian use. Location 43/3 (43L) Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation 71 launches have been at this location. Rocket Soyuz 2.1A Fregat-M Length: 46.3 meters Diameter: 2.95 meters First Launched: October 19, 2010 The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle. The Soyuz 2.1A Fregat-M rocket has been launched a total of 14 times with 13 successful and 1 failed launches. Agency Russian Space Forces Type: Government Abbreviation: VKS Administration: Aleksandr Golovko Founded: 1992 Launchers: Spacecraft: 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. View Rocket Launch Schedule