# Meridian > model of Russian communication satellite **Wikidata**: [Q138849241](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q138849241) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meridian-q138849241 ## Summary Meridian is a model of Russian communication satellite designed for military and civilian telecommunications. It is part of a series of satellites operated by the Russian Space Forces and launched using Soyuz-2.1a rockets from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. The Meridian series plays a critical role in Russia's space-based communication infrastructure, particularly in high-latitude regions. ## Key Facts - **Classification**: Model of Russian communication satellite. - **Operator**: Russian Space Forces. - **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a rocket. - **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. - **Orbit**: Molniya orbit. - **Manufacturer**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev. - **Mass**: Greater than 2000 kilograms (launch weight). - **Service Life**: 7 years (design life). - **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays). - **GRAU Index**: 14Ф112. - **Part of**: Meridian satellite series. - **Instances**: Meridian 1, Meridian 2, Meridian 3, Meridian 4, Meridian 5, Meridian 6, Meridian 7. - **Subclass of**: Communications satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth. - **Country of Origin**: Russia. ## FAQs ### Q: What is the Meridian satellite? A: The Meridian satellite is a model of Russian communication satellite designed for military and civilian telecommunications. It is part of a series of satellites that provide secure and reliable communication services, particularly in high-latitude regions of Russia. ### Q: Who operates the Meridian satellites? A: The Meridian satellites are operated by the Russian Space Forces, a branch of the Russian military responsible for space operations. ### Q: What is the launch vehicle used for Meridian satellites? A: The Meridian satellites are launched using Soyuz-2.1a rockets, a modernized version of the Soyuz-2 launch vehicle. ### Q: Where are Meridian satellites launched from? A: Meridian satellites are launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4, a major Russian spaceport located in the Arkhangelsk region. ### Q: What is the orbit of Meridian satellites? A: Meridian satellites are placed in a Molniya orbit, which is a highly elliptical orbit designed to provide coverage to high-latitude regions. ### Q: What is the mass of a Meridian satellite? A: The mass of a Meridian satellite is greater than 2000 kilograms at launch. ### Q: What is the service life of a Meridian satellite? A: The design life of a Meridian satellite is 7 years. ### Q: Who manufactures the Meridian satellites? A: The Meridian satellites are manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, a leading Russian spacecraft manufacturer. ### Q: What is the power source for Meridian satellites? A: Meridian satellites are powered by spacecraft solar arrays, with two arrays providing the necessary electrical power. ### Q: What is the GRAU index for Meridian satellites? A: The GRAU index for Meridian satellites is 14Ф112, which is a Russian military designation. ### Q: What are the instances of the Meridian satellite series? A: The instances of the Meridian satellite series include Meridian 1, Meridian 2, Meridian 3, Meridian 4, Meridian 5, Meridian 6, and Meridian 7. ## Why It Matters The Meridian satellite series is a critical component of Russia's space-based communication infrastructure. These satellites provide secure and reliable communication services for both military and civilian applications, particularly in high-latitude regions where traditional geostationary satellites have limited effectiveness. The Meridian series ensures connectivity in remote and strategically important regions, supporting critical governmental, military, and civil communications needs. The deployment of Meridian satellites demonstrates Russia's commitment to maintaining technological sovereignty in space-based communications and enhancing its national security and economic development in its northern territories. ## Notable For - **Military Communications**: The Meridian series is designed to provide secure military communications for Russian armed forces. - **High-Latitude Coverage**: Meridian satellites are specifically designed to provide communications in high-latitude regions of Russia, utilizing a Molniya-type orbit. - **Soyuz-2.1a Launch**: The Meridian satellites are launched using Soyuz-2.1a rockets, demonstrating the reliability of this launch vehicle for military payloads. - **Plesetsk Cosmodrome**: The Meridian satellites are launched from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome, a primary site for Russian military satellite deployments. - **Russian Space Forces**: The Meridian satellites are operated by the Russian Space Forces, highlighting their strategic importance for national security. - **JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev**: The Meridian satellites are manufactured by JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev, a leading Russian spacecraft manufacturer. - **Spacecraft Solar Arrays**: The Meridian satellites are powered by spacecraft solar arrays, ensuring a reliable power source for their operations. - **GRAU Index**: The Meridian satellites have a GRAU index of 14Ф112, indicating their military designation. - **Service Life**: The Meridian satellites have a design life of 7 years, ensuring long-term operational capability. - **Mass**: The Meridian satellites have a mass greater than 2000 kilograms at launch, indicating their substantial size and capability. ## Body ### Overview Meridian is a model of Russian communication satellite designed for military and civilian telecommunications. It is part of a series of satellites that provide secure and reliable communication services, particularly in high-latitude regions of Russia. The Meridian series is operated by the Russian Space Forces and launched using Soyuz-2.1a rockets from the Plesetsk Cosmodrome. ### Classification and Specifications - **Classification**: Model of Russian communication satellite. - **Operator**: Russian Space Forces. - **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a rocket. - **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. - **Orbit**: Molniya orbit. - **Manufacturer**: JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev. - **Mass**: Greater than 2000 kilograms (launch weight). - **Service Life**: 7 years (design life). - **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays). - **GRAU Index**: 14Ф112. - **Part of**: Meridian satellite series. - **Instances**: Meridian 1, Meridian 2, Meridian 3, Meridian 4, Meridian 5, Meridian 6, Meridian 7. - **Subclass of**: Communications satellite, artificial satellite of the Earth. - **Country of Origin**: Russia. ### Launch Details - **Launch Vehicle**: Soyuz-2.1a rocket. - **Launch Site**: Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43/4. - **Orbit**: Molniya orbit. ### Technical Specifications - **Mass**: Greater than 2000 kilograms (launch weight). - **Service Life**: 7 years (design life). - **Power Source**: Spacecraft solar array (2 arrays). - **GRAU Index**: 14Ф112. ### Instances of the Meridian Satellite Series - **Meridian 1**: Launched on December 24, 2006. - **Meridian 2**: Launched on May 21, 2009. - **Meridian 3**: Launched on November 2, 2010. - **Meridian 4**: Launched on May 4, 2011. - **Meridian 5**: Launched on December 23, 2011. - **Meridian 6**: Launched on November 14, 2012. - **Meridian 7**: Launched on October 30, 2014. ### Significance and Impact The Meridian satellite series is a critical component of Russia's space-based communication infrastructure. These satellites provide secure and reliable communication services for both military and civilian applications, particularly in high-latitude regions where traditional geostationary satellites have limited effectiveness. The Meridian series ensures connectivity in remote and strategically important regions, supporting critical governmental, military, and civil communications needs. The deployment of Meridian satellites demonstrates Russia's commitment to maintaining technological sovereignty in space-based communications and enhancing its national security and economic development in its northern territories. ### Related Entities - **Russian Space Forces**: The operator of the Meridian satellites. - **Plesetsk Cosmodrome**: The launch site for Meridian satellites. - **Soyuz-2.1a**: The launch vehicle used for Meridian satellites. - **JSC Information Satellite Systems Reshetnev**: The manufacturer of the Meridian satellites. - **Molniya Orbit**: The orbit used by Meridian satellites. - **Communications Satellite**: The subclass of the Meridian satellites. - **Artificial Satellite of the Earth**: The subclass of the Meridian satellites. - **Russia**: The country of origin for the Meridian satellites. ## References 1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/meridian.htm)