Meridian

Meridian 3

Russia

Spacecraft n°:

Russian spacecraft n°:

Launch data:

Designation	37212 / 10058A
Launch date	02 Nov 2010 - 00:59 UT
Launch site	Plesetsk, LC-43/3
Launch vehicle	Soyuz-2-1a/Fregat
Mission	Military: Communications
Elliptical Semi-synchronous Earth orbit on Nov 14.53:
Perigee / Apogee	960 x 39518 km
Eccentricity	7,24E-01
Inclination	62.78 deg
Period	750.28 min

Spacecraft data:

Prime contractor	JSC - ISS - Reshetnev Company
Platform
Operator	Military Space Forces (VKS)
Mass at launch	2500 kg
Dry Mass	kg
Basic shape	Box + 2 panels
Dimension (m)
Equipment
Solar array
Stabilization
Propulsion
DC power
Design lifetime	Still active

Mission details:

Russia's third Meridian military communications satellite was launched on Nov 2. The Fregat upper stage placed it in a 966 x 39773 km x 62.8 deg orbit; an orbit maneuver on Nov 16 adjusted this to a semi-synchronous 961 x 39388 km.
Designed to replace Molniya and Parus spacecraft; this is the third of the series, first success.

Ref.: #7(JR634), #206, #226 - update: 15.03.11