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WG3K > ANS 10.03.24 17:00l 20 Lines 3918 Bytes #68 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : $ANS070.2
Read: GUEST
Subj: Vostochny Spaceport Sends Meteor-M2-4 Weather Satellite Into
Path: ON0AR<OZ5BBS<CX2SA<N3HYM<WG3K
Sent: 240310/1549Z 1866@WG3K.#SMD.MD.USA.NOAM LinBPQ6.0.24
On February 29, 2024, the Vostochny spaceport witnessed the successful launch of a Soyuz-2-1b rocket, inaugurating the first mission of the year from this spaceport. On board was the Meteor-M2-4 weather spacecraft, a notable addition to the Meteor-M series, alongside several secondary payloads, including an Iranian micro-satellite dedicated to Earth observation.
Developed by the Moscow-based VNIIEM Corporation, Meteor-M2-4, weighing nearly three tons, boasts advanced instruments designed for comprehensive monitoring of global weather patterns, the ozone layer, ocean surface temperature, and ice conditions. Recognized for its military applications by the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, this mission marked a significant stride in space exploration.
Meteor-M2-4 encountered delays in its journey, originally slated for a December 26, 2023 launch. However, due to multiple rescheduling, the liftoff finally took place on February 29, 2024. The spacecraft, delivered to the launch site on December 28, 2023, underwent meticulous preparations, including fueling and integration with the launch vehicle, ultimately culminating in a successful liftoff.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SZ2.1b-MeteorM2-4...]https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SZ2.1b-MeteorM2-4-Encapsulation-scaled.jpg
Meteor-M 2-4 Satellite / Secondary Payloads Encapsulated in Payload Fairing [Credit: Roscosmos]
Following the standard ascent profile for Meteor satellites, the launch trajectory headed northwest over eastern Russia, reaching a near-polar orbit with an inclination of approximately 98.57 degrees. The fairing protecting the payload separated during the second stage operation, with subsequent stage separations carefully planned for safe impact zones in the Amur Region and the Sakha Republic.
The Fregat upper stage took charge of the final payload deployment, executing precise maneuvers over the Arctic and Antarctica. Approximately 59 minutes and 46 seconds after liftoff, the Meteor-M2-4 satellite was successfully released, accomplishing its primary mission. The Fregat then proceeded to deploy the secondary payloads into their designated orbits.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Meteor-M2-4_David...]https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Meteor-M2-4_David_Trolinger_N5ZKK.jpg
Meteor M2-4 Image Decoded Using a Raspberry Pi 5 and SatDump by N5ZKK [Credit: David Trolinger]
The Russian Meteor M2-4 satellite commenced transmitting weather images within the first day in orbit. Known for their accessibility to amateur users, Meteor M satellites operate around 137 MHz, making them receivable with a RTL-SDR dongle and suitable satellite antennas. The satellite also transmits in the L-band, enabling reception with a 60cm or larger dish and motorized or hand tracking. Unlike previous satellites in the series, M2-4 experienced a smooth launch and deployment, with reports indicating excellent signal strength and clear image reception in both VHF and L-band frequencies. Two-Line Elements (TLE's) and the SatDump decoding software (https://github.com/SatDump/SatDump) have been updated to support Meteor M2-4, simplifying access for enthusiasts through Github updates.
Space historian Jonathan McDowell shared valuable insights into the flight, detailing each Fregat maneuver and its impact on the satellite cluster. While the majority of the secondary payloads adhered to the expected orbits, anomalies in the deployment of some SITRO satellites prompted further investigation. The launch of Meteor-M2-4 and its accompanying payloads stands as a noteworthy accomplishment for Russia's space program, contributing significantly to global endeavors in weather monitoring, Earth observation, and satellite technology development.
[ANS thanks Anatoly Zak, RussianSpaceWeb.com and RTL-SDR.com for the above information]
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