The first hydrometeorological satellite Arktika-M, launched on the morning of February 28 from Baikonur, has been successfully launched into its target orbit, according to the Roscosmos website.
“In accordance with the flight sequence, after three starts of the main propulsion system of the Fregat upper stage, the Arktika-M spacecraft normally separated at 12:14 Moscow time and went directly into the Molniya-type working high-elliptical orbit with an apogee height of 37,400 – 39,800 km, perigee 600 – 3,000 km, respectively, and an inclination of 63.30 degrees, ”the message says.
In turn, the head of Roscosmos Dmitry Rogozin in his Telegram channel called the launch of the satellite the beginning of the deployment of a new Arctic orbital group of Russia. “Solar antennas and other elements were opened, communication with the device was established, it was taken under control,” the official said.
The launched satellite is one of two included in the hydrometeorological space system “Arktika-M”. It is planned that they will alternately replace each other in the working section of the orbit. Their task will include providing round-the-clock all-weather monitoring of the Earth's surface and the seas of the Arctic Ocean, as well as ensuring reliable communications.
