Russian Space Forces GVM Oblik Soyuz 2.1a
About the GVM Oblik Mission
- Type: Government/Top Secret
- Orbit: Low Earth Orbit
- Launch Cost: $80,000,000
Oblik-Dummy was Zenit-8 (Oblik) spy sat, which has been in storage long beyond its service live and was converted to an instrumented dummy payload for the maiden launch of the new Soyuz-2-1a launch vehicle. The photographic equipment was removed and the vehicle was fitted with vibration and thermal sensors designed to measure the launch environment of the new launch vehicle.
Launch Pad & Location
43/4 (43R)
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation
The 43/4 (43R) launch pad has hosted 328 rocket launches, including 328 orbital launch attempts. The Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation launch site has been the location for 1685 total rocket launches.
Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
Progress Rocket Space Center Soyuz 2.1a Rocket
The Soyuz 2.1A converted the flight control system from analog to digital, which allowed launch from fixed platforms. It also allowed big fairings and payloads.
It is currently used for crewed Soyuz and Progress flights to the ISS.
Learn more about the Progress Rocket Space Center Soyuz 2.1a Rocket
About Russian Space Forces
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a GVM Oblik launch scheduled?
The Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a GVM Oblik launch was scheduled for:
.
Where did the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a GVM Oblik mission launch from?
The Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a rocket launched from 43/4 (43R) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation. Plesetsk Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport located in Mirny, Arkhangelsk Oblast, about 800 km north of Moscow and approximately 200 km south of Arkhangelsk. Originally developed as an ICBM site for the R-7 missile, it also served for numerous satellite launches using the R-7 and other rockets. Its high latitude makes it useful only for certain types of launches, especially the Molniya orbits, so for much of the site's history it functioned as a secondary location, with most orbital launches taking place from Baikonur, in the Kazakh SSR. With the end of the Soviet Union, Baikonur became a foreign territory, and Kazakhstan charged $115 million usage fees annually. Consequently, Plesetsk has seen considerably more activity since the 2000s.
What rocket was used for the GVM Oblik mission?
The GVM Oblik mission launched aboard a Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a rocket. The Soyuz 2.1A converted the flight control system from analog to digital, which allowed launch from fixed platforms. It also allowed big fairings and payloads. <br>It is currently used for crewed Soyuz and Progress flights to the ISS. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a GVM Oblik launch?
The Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a GVM Oblik launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a GVM Oblik launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1a launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the GVM Oblik mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official Russian Space Forces live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.