# Soyuz-2

> Russian series of rockets

**Wikidata**: [Q623140](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q623140)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soyuz-2)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/soyuz-2

## Summary
Soyuz-2 is a Russian series of rockets and a modern member of the broader Soyuz rocket family. Manufactured by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center, it serves as a launch vehicle designed to replace the older Soyuz-U rocket. The series includes distinct versions such as the Soyuz-2.1a, Soyuz-2.1b, and Soyuz-2.1v.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Soyuz-2 is an instance of a rocket series and a subclass of the Soyuz rocket family.
- **Origin:** The rocket series is of Russian origin.
- **Mass:** The launch mass of the Soyuz-2 is approximately 312,000 kilograms.
- **Versions:** The series comprises three main variants: Soyuz-2.1a, Soyuz-2.1b, and Soyuz-2.1v.
- **Predecessor:** It replaces the Soyuz-U rocket.
- **Manufacturer:** The rocket is produced by the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center.
- **Launch Sites:** Start points include Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31, Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43, Vostochny Cosmodrome Site 1S, and Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz.
- **Identifiers:** It is also known by the GRAU index 14A14.
- **Aliases:** Alternative names include Soyuz-ST, Cohete Soyuz 2, Soyouz 2.1a, and Soyouz 2.1b.

## FAQs
### Q: What are the specific versions of the Soyuz-2 rocket?
A: The Soyuz-2 series includes three primary versions: the Soyuz-2.1a, the Soyuz-2.1b, and the Soyuz-2.1v.

### Q: What rocket did the Soyuz-2 replace?
A: The Soyuz-2 was developed to replace the Soyuz-U rocket within the Russian launch vehicle fleet.

### Q: Who manufactures the Soyuz-2 rocket?
A: The manufacturer of the Soyuz-2 rocket is the Progress State Research and Production Rocket Space Center.

### Q: Where can the Soyuz-2 be launched from?
A: The rocket can be launched from several sites, including the Baikonur Cosmodrome (Site 31), Plesetsk Cosmodrome (Site 43), Vostochny Cosmodrome (Site 1S), and the Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz.

## Why It Matters
The Soyuz-2 represents a critical evolution in Russian aerospace engineering, serving as the modern standard for the historic Soyuz rocket family. By replacing the Soyuz-U, it ensures the continuation of reliable launch capabilities for both national and scientific missions. Its deployment across multiple launch sites—including the newer Vostochny Cosmodrome and the international Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz—highlights its versatility and strategic importance in maintaining global space access. The rocket supports significant scientific endeavors, such as the planned Bion-M No.2 mission, underscoring its role in advancing space research.

## Notable For
- **Modernization:** Acting as the modernized successor to the Soyuz-U.
- **Versatility:** Operating from four distinct launch complexes across different geographic locations.
- **Variant Range:** Offering a suite of rockets (2.1a, 2.1b, 2.1v) to cater to different payload requirements.
- **Heritage:** Being a direct subclass of the Soviet and Russian Soyuz rocket family.
- **Nomenclature:** Carrying the GRAU index 14A14, a formal military identifier.

## Body
### Development and Lineage
The Soyuz-2 (GRAU index 14A14) is a Russian series of rockets that functions as a subclass of the wider Soyuz family. While the Soyuz lineage has roots in the Soviet Union, the Soyuz-2 is explicitly designated as a product of Russia. It was developed to replace the Soyuz-U, an earlier iteration of the family.

### Variants
The Soyuz-2 family is divided into three specific versions tailored for different mission profiles:
*   **Soyuz-2.1a:** A standard version of the series.
*   **Soyuz-2.1b:** A version offering distinct capabilities within the series.
*   **Soyuz-2.1v:** A variant of the Soyuz-2 rocket.

### Technical Profile
The rocket has a total mass of 312,000 kilograms. It falls under the classification of a "rocket series" and is distinct from the "Soyuz" spacecraft designed for the Soviet space programme, though they share a naming convention and family lineage.

### Operations and Infrastructure
The Soyuz-2 utilizes a distributed network of launch infrastructure. Its primary launch sites include:
*   **Baikonur Cosmodrome Site 31**
*   **Plesetsk Cosmodrome Site 43**
*   **Vostochny Cosmodrome Site 1S**
*   **Ensemble de Lancement Soyouz** (ELS)

The rocket is associated with missions such as the planned Russian space mission Bion-M No.2.

## Schema Markup
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  "description": "Russian series of rockets and subclass of the Soyuz rocket family.",
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## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013