Soyuz 2.1a Fregat-M: next launch, record and specs
The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle.
Record
20 launches, 19 successful (95%), 10 successes in a row.
Upcoming Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M launches
None on the schedule right now.
Specifications
- Maker: Progress Rocket Space Center
- First flight: 2010-10-19
- Height: 46.3 m
- Diameter: 2.95 m
- Payload to low Earth orbit: 7,020 kg
- Reusable: No