# Meridian-M 9

> Russian communications satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q97232110](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q97232110)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meridian-m-9

## Summary
Meridian-M 9 is a Russian communications satellite and a specific instance of the Meridian-M satellite model. It was launched into orbit on February 20, 2020, aboard a Soyuz-2.1a rocket from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. Also known by the designations Meridian-M No. 19L and Meridian 19L, it carries the COSPAR ID 2020-015A and SCN 45254.

## Key Facts
- **Instance of:** Meridian-M (model of Russian communication satellite)
- **Launch Date:** 2020-02-20 at 08:24:54
- **Launch Vehicle:** Soyuz-2.1a (version 780-21-118)
- **Launch Site:** Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/3
- **Space Tug:** Fregat (version 111-303)
- **COSPAR ID:** 2020-015A
- **Satellite Catalog Number (SCN):** 45254
- **Aliases:** Meridian-M No. 19L, Meridian 19L
- **Significant Event:** Rocket launch on 2020-02-20 at Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/3
- **Wikipedia Languages:** Latvian (lv)

## FAQs
**What type of satellite is Meridian-M 9?**
It is a Russian communications satellite belonging to the Meridian-M class, which is a specific model of Russian communication satellites. 

**When and how was Meridian-M 9 launched?**
The satellite launched on February 20, 2020, at 08:24:54. It was delivered to orbit by a Soyuz-2.1a rocket (version 780-21-118) equipped with a Fregat space tug (version 111-303).

**Where did the Meridian-M 9 launch take place?**
The launch occurred at the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, specifically from Site 43/3.

**What are the official identifiers for this satellite?**
Its COSPAR international designator is 2020-015A, and its Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) is 45254. It is also alternatively designated as Meridian-M No. 19L and Meridian 19L.

## Why It Matters
Meridian-M 9 represents a continuation of Russia's operational fleet of communication satellites, serving a specialized role in the nation's space infrastructure. As an instance of the Meridian-M model, it contributes to the maintenance and modernization of a dedicated communication satellite system. The successful deployment of this specific unit—utilizing the Soyuz-2.1a and Fregat combination—demonstrates the ongoing execution of Russian military and governmental space launches from domestic cosmodromes like Plesetsk.

## Notable For
- Being a distinct unit (No. 19L) within the Meridian-M communication satellite series.
- Utilizing a specific configuration of the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle (780-21-118) paired with a Fregat space tug (111-303).
- Launching from Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/3, a key infrastructure point for Russian orbital missions.
- Having a documented presence in Latvian Wikipedia, indicating a specific regional public record of the satellite.

## Body

### Classification and Identity
Meridian-M 9 is categorized as an instance of the Meridian-M class, which is a dedicated model of Russian communication satellite. The spacecraft holds the formal aliases Meridian-M No. 19L and Meridian 19L. Internationally, it is tracked under the COSPAR ID 2020-015A and possesses the Satellite Catalog Number (SCN) 45254. Its primary functional classification is a Russian communications satellite.

### Launch Operations and Infrastructure
The satellite's significant event is recorded as a rocket launch occurring on February 20, 2020. The precise time of the launch was 08:24:54. The departure point for the mission was Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/3, a prominent Russian spaceport. 

### Launch Vehicle and Space Tug Configuration
To achieve orbit, Meridian-M 9 was propelled by a Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle. The specific version of the rocket utilized is identified by the code 780-21-118. Following the initial ascent, a Fregat space tug (version 111-303) was employed to deliver the satellite to its intended orbital trajectory. 

### Data and Documentation
The satellite's technical and historical data is supported by references to the Wikidata entity . In terms of public encyclopedic coverage, the satellite has a sitelink count of 1, with its Wikipedia article existing exclusively in the Latvian language (lv).

## References

1. Jonathan's Space Report