Meridian (14F112)
Meridian [NPO PM]
The Meridian series of communication satellites is reported to be a replacement for all the Molniya-1T, the Molniya-3 and Molniya-3K satellite series and possibly also for the communication component of the Parus. They are launched on Soyuz-2-1a Fregat boosters into Molniya-orbits.
The bus structure is reportedly pressurised, possibly based on the Uragan-M bus.
The second launch reached only a 290 km × 36460 km × 62.8° orbit, indicating a Fregat failure during the end of the second burn, with the third burn not taking place.
| Nation: | Russia |
|---|---|
| Type / Application: | Communication |
| Operator: | |
| Contractors: | ISS Reshetnev (ex NPO Prikladnoi Mekhaniki, NPO PM) |
| Equipment: | |
| Configuration: | 3-Axis stabilized Uragan-M bus ? |
| Propulsion: | |
| Power: | 2 deployable solar arrays, batteries |
| Lifetime: | |
| Mass: | |
| Orbit: | 900 km × 39000 km; 65° |
| Satellite | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian 1 (11L) | 24.12.2006 | Pl LC-43/4 | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian 2 (12L) | 21.05.2009 | Pl LC-43/4 | P | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | |
| Meridian 3 (13L) | 02.11.2010 | Pl LC-43/4 | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian 4 (14L) | 04.05.2011 | Pl LC-43/4 | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian 5 (15L) | 23.12.2011 | Pl LC-43/4 | F | Soyuz-2-1b Fregat |
