MISSION OVERVIEW
Note: Payload identity uncertain.
Meridian is a series of communications satellite for military and civilian use.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-MAGENCY
Russian Space ForcesMISSION
Meridian-M No.21L
MISSION TYPE
Communications
TARGET ORBIT
Elliptical Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
43/3 (43L)LAUNCH SITE
Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian FederationCOUNTRY
RUS
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: bc0cca05-0fb5-43ca-b648-a852d20ceaf3
Reported date: Apr 3, 2026 at 06:28 UTC
Last synced: 2 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
SCHEDULE & STATUS HISTORY
STATUS CHANGEApr 3, 2026 at 15:49 UTC
PARTIAL → SUCCESS
Source: Launch Library 2
STATUS CHANGEApr 3, 2026 at 09:05 UTC
TBD → PARTIAL
Source: Launch Library 2
MOVED UP(26.7 days)
Apr 3, 2026 at 09:05 UTCApr 30, 2026 00:00 → Apr 3, 2026 06:28 UTC
Source: Launch Library 2
STATUS CHANGEApr 1, 2026 at 14:18 UTC
GO → TBD
Source: Launch Library 2
DELAYED(28.9 days)
Apr 1, 2026 at 14:18 UTCApr 1, 2026 02:00 → Apr 30, 2026 00:00 UTC
Source: Launch Library 2
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M →
MANUFACTURER
Progress Rocket Space Center
VARIANT
Fregat-M
FLIGHTS
20
SUCCESSES
19
SUCCESS RATE
95%
The 2.1a version includes conversion from analog to digital flight control system and uprated engines on the booster and the first stage with improved injection systems. The new digital flight control and telemetry systems allow the rocket to launch from a fixed rather than angled launch platform and adjust its heading in flight. A digital control system also enables the launch of larger commercial satellites with wider and longer payload fairings such as the ST-type fairing. These fairings introduce too much aerodynamic instability for the old analog system to handle.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L launch?
The Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L is scheduled for Friday, April 3, 2026 at 6:28 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Meridian-M No.21L?
The Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L mission uses the Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M rocket, manufactured by Progress Rocket Space Center. The Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M has flown 20 times with a 95% success rate.
Where is the Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L launching from?
The launch takes place from 43/3 (43L) at Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Russian Federation.
What orbit is Meridian-M No.21L going to?
The Meridian-M No.21L mission is targeting Elliptical Orbit.
Who is launching Meridian-M No.21L?
The Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L is operated by Russian Space Forces.
Can I watch the Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21L launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Apr 10, 2026 03:49 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Apr 3, 2026 15:49 UTC
Status changed: PARTIAL u2192 SUCCESS
Launch completed successfully (via Launch Library 2)
Apr 3, 2026 09:05 UTC
Launch moved up by 26.7 days
Apr 30, 2026 00:00 UTC u2192 Apr 3, 2026 06:28 UTC (via Launch Library 2)
Apr 3, 2026 09:05 UTC
Status changed: TBD u2192 PARTIAL
Launch partial success (via Launch Library 2)
Apr 1, 2026 14:18 UTC
Launch delayed by 28.9 days
Apr 1, 2026 02:00 UTC u2192 Apr 30, 2026 00:00 UTC (via Launch Library 2)
Apr 1, 2026 14:18 UTC
Status changed: GO u2192 TBD
Launch date/time TBD (via Launch Library 2)
Mar 27, 2026 20:42 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 27, 2026 20:42 UTC
Launch date set: Apr 3, 2026 at 06:28 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Russian Space Forces
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 2 hours ago
●Launch Library 22 hours ago
Launch ID: bc0cca05-0fb5-43ca-b648-a852d20ceaf3
●Open-Meteo Weather3 hours ago
Pad weather at 62.93, 40.45
●YouTube Video Search2 weeks ago
1 video discovered
●X (Twitter) Search2 hours ago
6 tweets
RECENT FROM X
2 months ago
u23f1ufe0f T-MINUS 1 HOUR u2014 Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21Lnud83dude80 Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-Mnud83dudcc5 Tue, Mar 31, 10:00 PM EDTnud83cudfaf ud83dudfe2 Go for launchnLast chance to check your spot ud83dudc47nhttps://t.co/K876zOigk6 https://t.co/5ZlTghFa3U
View on X →2 months ago
ud83dude80 Soyuz 2.1a Fregat-M launch in T-1 hour! nud83cudff7ufe0f Meridian-M No.21Lnud83dudccd Plesetsk Cosmodromenud83cudfaf Elliptical Orbit nn Find out more and watch livenhttps://t.co/y9RrIl0wrs
View on X →2 months ago
ud83dudcc5 DAILY LAUNCH SCHEDULE | March 31, 2026nnud83dudfe8 TBD u2014 Falcon 9 Block 5 | Starlink Group 10-44nud83dudfe9 TBD u2014 Soyuz 2.1a Fregat-M | Meridian-M No.21Lnud83dudfe9 TBD u2014 Space Launch System Block 1 | Artemis IInnFollow @LaunchSight for real-time updates ud
View on X →2 months ago
LAUNCH ALERT: The Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M is GO for launch! ud83cuddf7ud83cuddfannMission: Meridian-M No.21LnnThis mission is critical for Arctic communications, serving both military and civilian needs in the region. ud83dude80u2b07ufe0f
View on X →2 months ago
Empty launch pad. Next up: Meridian-M No. 21L on a Soyuz 2.1a/Fregat-M from Plesetsk, Russia tomorrow evening at 8:00 PM MDT/10:00 PM EDT/0200 UTC. I should be in Lake Mary, FL at my lodging when this happens. https://t.co/zkr4tjjgTW
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