Luna 26
Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
Mission
Luna 26
- Type: Planetary Science
- Orbit: Lunar Orbit
- Launch Cost: $48,500,000
Luna 26 (also named Luna-Resurs) is a planned lunar polar orbiter, part of the Luna-Glob program, by the Russian space agency Roscosmos. In addition to its scientific role, the Luna 26 orbiter would also function as a telecommunication relay between Earth and Russian landed assets.
The scientific payload on board the orbiter is composed of fourteen instruments that will be fabricated by Russia. The payload will study the lunar surface and the environment around the Moon, including the solar wind, and high-energy cosmic rays. Luna 26 will also scout sites for the planned Luna 27 landing mission.
Luna 26 is the second mission of Russia's new lunar program, which includes the launch of Luna 27, a heavy lander that will study the composition of the lunar soil by collecting several samples. Luna 28, a lunar samples return mission, will be the first to return samples at lunar temperature, and will serve as a demonstration for a future Martian samples return mission. Finally, Luna 29 should land a heavy lunar rover on the surface.
Location
Cosmodrome Site 1S
Vostochny Cosmodrome, Siberia, Russian Federation
Cosmodrome Site 1S has witnessed the launch of 20 rockets, including 20 orbital launch attempts. While Vostochny Cosmodrome, Siberia, Russian Federation, has been the site for 21 rocket launches.
The Vostochny Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport above the 51st parallel north in the Amur Oblast, in the Russian Far East. It is intended to reduce Russia's dependency on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The first launch took place on 28 April 2016 at 02:01 UTC.
Rocket
Progress Rocket Space Center Soyuz 2.1b Fregat-M
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.
Agency
Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS)
The Roscosmos State Corporation for Space Activities, commonly known as Roscosmos, is the governmental body responsible for the space science program of the Russian Federation and general aerospace research. Soyuz has many launch locations the Russian sites are Baikonur, Plesetsk and Vostochny however Ariane also purchases the vehicle and launches it from French Guiana.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Luna 26 launch scheduled?
The Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Luna 26 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 Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Luna 26 mission launching from?
The Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M rocket will launch from Cosmodrome Site 1S at Vostochny Cosmodrome, Siberia, Russian Federation. The Vostochny Cosmodrome is a Russian spaceport above the 51st parallel north in the Amur Oblast, in the Russian Far East. It is intended to reduce Russia's dependency on the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan. The first launch took place on 28 April 2016 at 02:01 UTC. For viewing location recommendations and tips, check the launch location details above.
What rocket is being used for the Luna 26 mission?
The Luna 26 mission will launch aboard a Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) 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 Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Luna 26 launch?
The Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Luna 26 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 Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M Luna 26 launch is delayed?
This page is updated in real-time with the latest Russian Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) Soyuz 2.1b/Fregat-M launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Luna 26 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 Federal Space Agency (ROSCOSMOS) live streams for the most immediate range updates.