# Meridian

> type of communication satellites

**Wikidata**: [Q1475563](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1475563)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meridian_(satellite))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/meridian

## Summary
Meridian is a series of Russian communication satellites designed for telecommunications. As a subclass of communications satellites, these artificial satellites orbit the Earth and are launched using the Soyuz-2.1a rocket. The program has been in service since December 2006.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: A type of communications satellite and an artificial satellite of the Earth.
- **GRAU Index**: 14Ф112
- **Service Entry**: The first satellite in the series entered service on December 24, 2006.
- **Launch Vehicle**: Meridian satellites are launched aboard the Soyuz-2.1a rocket.
- **Native Label**: The native Russian name for the satellite series is Меридиан.
- **Satellite Examples**: The series includes multiple spacecraft, such as Meridian 1, Meridian 2, Meridian 3, Meridian 4, Meridian 5, and Meridian 6.
- **Military Use**: At least one satellite in the series, Meridian 6, is identified as a Russian military communications satellite.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the Meridian satellite program?
A: Meridian is a program consisting of a series of Russian communications satellites. These satellites are designed for telecommunications and orbit the Earth.

### Q: What rocket launches Meridian satellites?
A: Meridian satellites are launched into orbit using the Soyuz-2.1a, a version of the Soyuz-2 rocket.

### Q: When did the Meridian satellite program start?
A: The Meridian satellite program entered service on December 24, 2006.

### Q: Are Meridian satellites used for military purposes?
A: Yes, at least one satellite in the series, Meridian 6, is explicitly described as a Russian military communications satellite.

## Why It Matters
The Meridian satellite series represents a key component of Russia's modern space-based infrastructure. In service since 2006, these satellites fulfill crucial telecommunications roles for both civilian and military purposes. The program's reliance on the Soyuz-2.1a launch vehicle highlights the synergy between Russia's satellite development and its launch capabilities.

As a successor to older systems, the Meridian series demonstrates an ongoing effort to maintain and upgrade Russia's orbital assets. The explicit designation of some satellites, like Meridian 6, for military communications underscores their strategic importance. Understanding the Meridian program is essential for comprehending the scope and capabilities of Russia's national and military satellite networks, which support everything from government communications to strategic operations. The continued launches of new satellites in the series indicate its sustained relevance in the country's space and defense sectors.

## Notable For
- **Specific Designation**: The series is identified by the Russian GRAU index 14Ф112.
- **Consistent Launch Platform**: The program exclusively uses the Soyuz-2.1a rocket as its launch vehicle.
- **Dual-Purpose Application**: The series serves telecommunications needs, with specific satellites like Meridian 6 designated for military communications.
- **Longevity**: The program has been operational for over a decade, with its service entry dating back to 2006 and multiple satellites launched since.

## Body
### Classification and Design
Meridian is a designated type, or series, of artificial satellites. It is classified as a subclass of **communications satellite**, meaning its primary purpose is to facilitate telecommunications from orbit. The native Russian label for the series is **Меридиан**, and it is assigned the GRAU index **14Ф112**.

### Launch and Operational History
- **Launch Vehicle**: All satellites in the Meridian series are launched using the **Soyuz-2.1a** rocket.
- **Service Entry**: The program officially entered service on **December 24, 2006**.

### Known Satellites in the Series
The source material identifies several individual satellites that are part of the Meridian series. These are described as Russian communications satellites, with one specifically noted for military use:
- Meridian 1
- Meridian 2
- Meridian 3
- Meridian 4
- Meridian 5
- Meridian 6 (identified as a Russian military communications satellite)

## Schema Markup
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