# Meridian 5

> communications satellite launched by the Russian Federal Space Agency

**Wikidata**: [Q284079](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q284079)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_5)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meridian-5

## Summary
Meridian 5 is a communications satellite launched by the Russian Federal Space Agency on December 23, 2011. It was deployed from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 using a Soyuz-2.1b rocket as part of the Meridian class of communication satellites.

## Key Facts
- Meridian 5 is a communications satellite launched by the Russian Federal Space Agency
- Launch date: December 23, 2011
- Launch location: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-2.1b
- Also known as Meridian No.15L
- Part of the Meridian class of communication satellites
- Has Freebase ID: /m/0hr9n9w
- Has 3 sitelinks across different language versions of Wikipedia (English, Latvian, Polish)

## FAQs
### Q: What is Meridian 5?
A: Meridian 5 is a communications satellite launched by the Russian Federal Space Agency on December 23, 2011. It belongs to the Meridian class of communication satellites designed to provide communications in high-latitude regions of Russia.

### Q: When and where was Meridian 5 launched?
A: Meridian 5 was launched on December 23, 2011, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4 using a Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle.

### Q: What is Meridian 5 used for?
A: Meridian 5 is used for communications in high-latitude regions of Russia, supporting both military and civil communications needs in areas where geostationary satellites cannot effectively provide coverage.

### Q: What makes Meridian 5 different from other Russian satellites?
A: Meridian 5 is part of the specialized Meridian class designed specifically for high-latitude coverage, utilizing a Molniya-type orbit to serve Russia's northern territories more effectively than standard geostationary satellites.

## Why It Matters
Meridian 5 represents Russia's commitment to maintaining comprehensive communications infrastructure across its vast northern territories, particularly in the Arctic region where economic and strategic interests are growing. The satellite system addresses the challenge of providing reliable communications in high-latitude areas where traditional geostationary satellites have limited effectiveness. By ensuring connectivity in these remote regions, the Meridian satellites support critical governmental, military, and civil communications needs that are essential for Russia's national security and economic development in its northern expanses. The continued deployment of Meridian satellites demonstrates Russia's focus on maintaining technological sovereignty in space-based communications.

## Notable For
- Launch on December 23, 2011, as the 15th Meridian satellite (indicated by its alternative name "No.15L")
- Utilization of the Soyuz-2.1b launch vehicle for deployment from Plesetsk Cosmodrome
- Designed specifically for high-latitude coverage in Russia's northern regions
- One of only three Meridian satellites with dedicated Wikipedia articles in multiple languages
- Part of Russia's strategic communications infrastructure for both military and civil applications

## Body
### Overview
Meridian 5 is a Russian communications satellite that was launched on December 23, 2011. It belongs to the Meridian class of communication satellites, which are specifically designed to provide communications in high-latitude regions of Russia. The satellite was deployed as part of Russia's efforts to establish comprehensive communications infrastructure across its vast territory, particularly in the northern and eastern regions.

### Launch Details
- Launch date: December 23, 2011
- Launch site: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- Launch vehicle: Soyuz-2.1b
- Alternative designation: Meridian No.15L
- Event type: Rocket launch

### Technical Classification
- Instance of: Meridian (communication satellite class)
- Managed by: Russian Federal Space Agency
- Freebase ID: /m/0hr9n9w
- Wikipedia presence: Articles exist in English, Latvian, and Polish languages
- Total sitelinks: 3

### Purpose and Function
Meridian satellites are designed to provide communications in high-latitude regions, supporting both military and civil communications needs. They orbit at a highly inclined Molniya orbit, which provides coverage to the northern regions of Russia that are difficult to serve with traditional geostationary satellites. The Meridian system serves as a critical communications infrastructure for Russia's strategic interests in its northern territories.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013