Russian Space Forces Kosmos (Unknown Payload) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat
About the Kosmos (Unknown Payload) Mission
| Type | Government/Top Secret |
|---|---|
| Orbit | Unknown |
| Launch Cost | $48,500,000 |
Note: Launch vehicle and payload identities highly uncertain.
Unknown classified satellite(s) for the Russian military.
Launch Pad & Location
Unknown Pad
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.
Progress Rocket Space Center Soyuz 2.1b Fregat-M Rocket
Soyuz-2, GRAU index 14A14, is the collective designation for the 21st-century version of the Russian Soyuz rocket. In its basic form, it is a three-stage carrier rocket for placing payloads into low Earth orbit. The first-stage boosters and two core stages feature uprated engines with improved injection systems, compared to the previous versions of the Soyuz. Digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to be launched from a fixed launch platform, whereas the launch platforms for earlier Soyuz rockets had to be rotated as the rocket could not perform a roll to change its heading in flight.
Learn more about the Progress Rocket Space Center Soyuz 2.1b Fregat-M 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 is the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Kosmos (Unknown Payload) launch scheduled?
The Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Kosmos (Unknown Payload) launch is currently scheduled for:
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Launch times are subject to change based on weather conditions, technical readiness, and range availability. Check back regularly for the most up-to-date launch time and status updates.
Where is the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Kosmos (Unknown Payload) mission launching from?
The Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M rocket will launch from Unknown Pad 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. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Kosmos (Unknown Payload) mission?
The Kosmos (Unknown Payload) mission will launch aboard a Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M rocket. Soyuz-2, GRAU index 14A14, is the collective designation for the 21st-century version of the Russian Soyuz rocket. In its basic form, it is a three-stage carrier rocket for placing payloads into low Earth orbit. The first-stage boosters and two core stages feature uprated engines with improved injection systems, compared to the previous versions of the Soyuz. Digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to be launched from a fixed launch platform, whereas the launch platforms for earlier Soyuz rockets had to be rotated as the rocket could not perform a roll to change its heading in flight. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could delay the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Kosmos (Unknown Payload) launch?
The Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Kosmos (Unknown Payload) launch can be 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. Check the launch weather forecast above for current conditions and probability of favorable weather.
How can I get updates if the Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Kosmos (Unknown Payload) launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Russian Space Forces Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Kosmos (Unknown Payload) mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for the most current information. Enable push notifications through our mobile app to receive instant alerts about launch status changes, weather holds, or new launch times. We recommend following official Russian Space Forces live streams for the most immediate range updates.
Last Updated
Last Updated:
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Updated entry for new launch per NOTAMs scheduled some time between 08:00-20:59 UTC daily, September 17-21; note launch vehicle and payload identities highly uncertain.
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Removed from current schedule with cancellation of closure notices.
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Added launch per NOTAMs; Launch vehicle and payload identities uncertain; exact launch window TBD.