First radar satellite “Kondor-FKA” launched into a specific orbit, reports Roscosmos.
The spacecraft was launched from Vostochny cosmodrome at 00:14 Moscow time on a Soyuz-2.1a carrier rocket with a Fregat upper stage. According to Roskosmos, the method of launching the satellite into orbit worked normally.
“Kondor-FKA” is designed for remote sensing of the Earth by radar in all weather conditions. The launch of the second satellite will take place in 2024. The third and fourth satellites should be put into orbit by 2029-2030.
Previously reportedThe launch vehicle Soyuz-2.1a with the Kondor-FKA radar satellite was placed in the launch complex of the Vostochny cosmodrome, where it was then placed in a vertical position.
The launch is the second launch of a rocket from the Soyuz-2 family using naphthyl, a new and extremely environmentally friendly fuel. Naphthyl is an environmentally friendly hydrocarbon fuel type using polymer additives. The advantages of naphthyl are the reduction of harmful emissions and a significant increase in the mass of the payload launched into orbit.