Russian MoD’s early warning satellite launches aboard Soyuz-2.1B rocket

Combat crew of the Space Forces of the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS) conducted the launch. Credit: Russian Federation Defence Ministry.

The Russian Ministry of Defence’s (MoD) classified military satellite has successfully launched aboard a medium-class Soyuz-2.1B carrier rocket.

Free Report

Latest Updates on the Ukraine/Russia Crisis

Whilst at its core a humanitarian crisis, the Russian invasion of Ukraine risks adding materially to existing global economic and supply challenges. We are likely heading into a period in which geopolitics will become a regular part of boardroom discussions. Recent developments have seen Russian companies make significant progress around the world to supply countries with equipment in various Aerospace, Defense & Security sectors. This means that countries dependent on Russian arms for their security calculations should review all purchases and clauses regarding their programs and payments. Download GlobalData’s 5^th Ukraine Conflict Executive Briefing to learn more. This report is part of a continued series that is renewed monthly with the latest data and analysis, as the conflict develops and has wider implications across sectors. Access the latest macro-economic forecasts, charts with the latest data, and our updated sanctions tracker, as well as our updated sector scorecards to reflect the current views on the impact of the crisis at a company level.

By GlobalData

By clicking the Download Free Report button, you accept the terms and conditions and acknowledge that your data will be used as described in the GlobalData privacy policy

By downloading this Report, you acknowledge that we may share your information with our white paper partners/sponsors who may contact you directly with information on their products and services.

Visit our privacy policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information on your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Believed to be an early warning anti-missile system, the payload has been placed into orbit, according to media reports.

The Soyuz-2.1B vehicle was launched from the state test cosmodrome of the MoD, known as Plesetsk cosmodrome, in Russia’s Arkhangelsk region.

According to information released by the MoD’s Directorate of Media Service and Information, all pre-launch operations and the space vehicle’s launch took place in normal mode.

The launch and flight of the rocket were controlled by the Russian orbital group’s ground-based automated control complex for spacecraft.

Around two minutes after the launch, the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle was accepted for escort by ground-based controls of the Herman Titov Main Test Space Center.

The Russian Federation Defence Ministry noted that the spacecraft launch into the calculated orbit by the ‘Fregat upper stage’ will take a couple of hours.

The early warning satellite will join the other existing spacecraft in the orbit. The satellites detect and provide information to the Russian military on potential ballistic missile launches towards the country.