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Meridian-M (14F112M)
Meridian [NPO PM]
Meridian-M similar
Meridian-M is an improved version of the Meridian communications satellites reported to be the 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 into highly eccentric Molniya-orbits.
Meridian is the highly eccentric orbit (HEO) component of the Integrated Satellite Communications System (ISSS), where they work in conjunction with the geostationary Raduga-1M (Globus-M) satellites.
The bus structure is reportedly pressurized, possibly based on the Uragan-M bus. Meridian satellites carry three transponders operating in different frequency bands.
The Meridian series was to end with the seventh launch. It was to replaced by a new series beginning in 2016, which will feature unpressurized busses. Instead, in February 2016, a new batch of four similar but slightly improved Meridian-M satellites was ordered, with the first to be launched in 2018. The first of these was launched in July 2019. In May 2020, another two satellites were ordered.
| 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: | 7 years |
| Mass: | > 2000 kg |
| Orbit: | 900 km × 39000 km; 65° |
| Satellite | COSPAR | Date | LS | Launch Vehicle | Remarks | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meridian-M 8 (18L) | 2019-046A | 30.07.2019 | Pl LC-43/4 | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian-M 9 (19L) | 2020-015A | 20.02.2020 | Pl LC-43/3 | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian-M 10 (20L) | 2022-030A | 22.03.2022 | Pl LC-43/4 | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian-M 11 (21L) | - | 202x | Pl | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian-M 12 (22L) | - | 202x | Pl | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat | ||
| Meridian-M 13 (23L) | - | 202x | Pl | Soyuz-2-1a Fregat |
