Russian Space Forces
Soyuz 2.1A
Russian Space Forces
(VKS)
Launch Vehicle
Soyuz 2.1A
Configuration: Fregat
Family: Soyuz
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.
Communications
The Globalstar second-generation constellation consists of 24 Low Earth Orbiting satellites for satellite phone and data communications.