# Meridian-M 11

> Russian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q138914369](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138914369)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meridian-m-11

## Summary
Meridian-M 11 is a Russian communications satellite designed to provide voice, data, and video transmission services for military and civilian users. Launched in April 2026, it operates within a Molniya orbit as part of the Meridian satellite constellation to ensure telecommunications coverage across Russia’s high-latitude and polar regions.

## Key Facts
- **Official Name:** Meridian-M 11
- **Aliases:** Meridian-M No. 21L, Meridian 21L
- **Manufacturer:** JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev
- **Country of Origin:** Russia
- **Launch Date:** April 3, 2026, at 06:28
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-2.1a
- **Space Tug:** Fregat
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 68571
- **COSPAR ID:** 2026-071A
- **GRAU Index:** 14Ф112М
- **Classification:** Instance of the Meridian-M spacecraft model; subclass of communications satellite
- **Orbit Type:** Molniya orbit
- **Launch Mass:** Greater than 2,000 kilograms
- **Power Source:** Two spacecraft solar arrays
- **Design Service Life:** 7 years
- **Primary Function:** Telecommunications (voice, data, and video relay)

## FAQs
**What is the primary mission of Meridian-M 11?**
Meridian-M 11 serves as a relay station in space, facilitating the transmission of voice, data, and video signals. It supports both military and civilian telecommunications, providing essential backup communication channels and connectivity for Russia's vast geographic footprint.

**How was Meridian-M 11 deployed into space?**
The satellite was launched on April 3, 2026, from Site 43/4 at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. It was carried by a Soyuz-2.1a rocket and utilized a Fregat space tug to reach its designated orbital position.

**What kind of orbit does Meridian-M 11 use and why?**
It operates in a Molniya orbit, which is a highly elliptical trajectory. This specific orbit is used to provide reliable communication coverage to high-latitude and northern polar regions where standard geostationary satellites are often ineffective.

## Why It Matters
Meridian-M 11 is a vital component of Russia's strategic space infrastructure, specifically addressing the technical challenges of communicating in the far north. Because geostationary satellites cannot effectively serve polar regions, the Meridian-M series uses the Molniya orbit to ensure consistent coverage for Russia's northern territories. This system is critical for national security, supporting military operations while also providing commercial and government connectivity. Its deployment signifies a continued investment in modernizing domestic satellite capabilities and maintaining operational resilience across the country's most remote areas.

## Notable For
- **High-Latitude Specialization:** Optimized for the Molniya orbit to provide superior communication relay over Russia’s northernmost regions.
- **Series Continuity:** Represents the continued expansion of the Meridian-M constellation, following previous units such as Meridian-M 8, 9, and 10.
- **Technical Identifiers:** Recognized by the GRAU index 14Ф112М and the Satellite Catalog Number 68571.
- **Dual-Sector Utility:** Engineered to serve the simultaneous needs of both civilian infrastructure and military strategic communications.

## Body

### Classification and Identity
Meridian-M 11 is a specific instance of the Meridian-M spacecraft model, which is a subclass of communications satellites and artificial satellites of the Earth. Developed by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, the satellite is identified by the GRAU index 14Ф112М. In technical catalogs, it is listed under the Satellite Catalog Number 68571 and carries the COSPAR ID 2026-071A. It is also known by the alternative designations Meridian-M No. 21L and Meridian 21L.

### Launch and Deployment
The significant event of the satellite's launch occurred on April 3, 2026, at 06:28 UTC. The mission was conducted from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically utilizing Site 43/4. The launch vehicle employed for this mission was the Soyuz-2.1a rocket, paired with a Fregat upper stage (space tug) to deliver the payload to its intended highly elliptical orbit.

### Technical Specifications
As a Meridian-M class satellite, Meridian-M 11 features a launch mass exceeding 2,000 kilograms. The spacecraft is equipped with two solar arrays that serve as its primary power source. It is built with a design service life of seven years, during which it is expected to maintain its telecommunications relay functions.

### Operational Role and Orbit
The satellite operates within a Molniya orbit, a trajectory chosen to maximize the time the spacecraft spends over Russia's northern territories. This orbital configuration allows Meridian-M 11 to provide voice, data, and video transmission services to high-latitude regions and adjacent areas. These capabilities are utilized by a variety of users, including:
*   **Military Users:** Supporting strategic communication and national security operations.
*   **Civilian Users:** Providing commercial telecommunications and connectivity in remote regions.
*   **Government Infrastructure:** Serving as a backup for existing communication channels to ensure operational resilience.

### Context within the Meridian Constellation
Meridian-M 11 is part of an ongoing series of launches intended to maintain and bolster the Meridian satellite constellation. It follows several notable previous instances of the Meridian-M model:
*   **Meridian-M 8:** Launched July 30, 2019, from Plesetsk Site 43/4.
*   **Meridian-M 9:** Launched February 20, 2020, from Plesetsk Site 43/3.
*   **Meridian-M 10:** Launched March 22, 2022, from Plesetsk Site 43/4.

The deployment of Meridian-M 11 continues the use of the Soyuz-2.1a launch platform and the Plesetsk Cosmodrome as the primary means of maintaining this critical communication network.

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report