# Soyuz-2.1v

> version of the Soyuz-2 rocket

**Wikidata**: [Q3071792](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q3071792)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz_2.1v)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soyuz-2-1v

## Summary
The Soyuz-2.1v is a lightweight variant of the Soyuz-2 rocket family, designed for launching small satellites and payloads into low Earth orbit. Developed by Russia's Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center, it first flew on December 28, 2013. It serves as a cost-effective launch solution, utilizing a modified propulsion system to reduce operational costs.

## Key Facts
- **First flight**: December 28, 2013
- **Country of origin**: Russia
- **Manufacturer**: Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center
- **Mass**: 158,000 kg
- **Height**: 44 meters
- **Diameter**: 3 meters
- **GRAU index**: 14А15
- **Notable payloads**: Aist 1, Kosmos-2521, Kanopus-ST (failed launch)
- **Aliases**: Soyuz-1, Soyuz 2.1v, 14A15

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary purpose of the Soyuz-2.1v rocket?
A: The Soyuz-2.1v is designed to launch small satellites and payloads into low Earth orbit, offering a cost-effective alternative for lighter missions.

### Q: When did the Soyuz-2.1v make its maiden flight?
A: The rocket first launched on December 28, 2013, carrying the Kosmos-2512 satellite.

### Q: Has the Soyuz-2.1v experienced any launch failures?
A: Yes, the rocket failed to deploy the Kanopus-ST Earth observation satellite during a 2015 launch.

## Why It Matters
The Soyuz-2.1v plays a critical role in modernizing Russia’s space launch capabilities, particularly for small payloads. Its design emphasizes cost efficiency and flexibility, addressing the growing demand for affordable access to space. By incorporating a simplified propulsion system (using the NK-33 engine), it reduces operational complexity compared to earlier Soyuz variants. This rocket supports both civilian and military missions, ensuring Russia’s competitiveness in the commercial launch market while maintaining strategic autonomy. Its ability to handle small satellites aligns with global trends toward smaller, more agile spacecraft, making it a key asset for reconnaissance, Earth observation, and technology demonstration projects.

## Notable For
- **Lightweight design**: Optimized for small payloads, reducing launch costs for lower-mass missions.
- **NK-33 engine**: Utilizes a high-efficiency liquid-propellant engine, distinguishing it from other Soyuz variants.
- **Mixed launch record**: Successfully deployed satellites like Kosmos-2525 but suffered a notable failure with the Kanopus-ST mission.
- **Reconnaissance role**: Frequently used for launching Russian military satellites, such as Kosmos-2551.

## Body
### Development
The Soyuz-2.1v was developed by Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center as part of Russia’s efforts to diversify its launch vehicle fleet. It first flew in 2013, marking a shift toward more specialized rockets for small payloads.

### Specifications
- **Mass**: 158,000 kg  
- **Height**: 44 meters  
- **Diameter**: 3 meters  
- **Stages**: 2  
- **Propulsion**: NK-33 engine in the first stage  

### Launch History
- **2013**: Maiden flight on December 28, carrying Kosmos-2512.  
- **2015**: Failed to deploy the Kanopus-ST satellite due to a launch vehicle malfunction.  
- **2019**: Successfully launched Kosmos-2542, a reconnaissance satellite.  
- **2021**: Deployed Kosmos-2551, which later experienced operational issues.  

### Related Satellites
- **Aist 1**: Technology demonstration satellite.  
- **Kosmos-2521**: Launched in 2017 for unspecified purposes.  
- **Kosmos-2525**: Reconnaissance satellite.  
- **Kosmos-2551**: Possible reconnaissance satellite that failed post-launch.  

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Rocket",
  "name": "Soyuz-2.1v",
  "description": "Version of the Soyuz-2 rocket",
  "url": "https://en.samspace.ru/products/launch_vehicles/rn_soyuz_2_1v/",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q15241312",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz-2-1v"
  ],
  "manufacturer": "Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center",
  "countryOfOrigin": "Russia",
  "height": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "unitText": "metres",
    "value": 44
  },
  "mass": {
    "@type": "QuantitativeValue",
    "unitText": "kilograms",
    "value": 158000
  },
  "dateOfFirstFlight": "2013-12-28"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013