The launch into orbit of the next remote sensing satellite (ERS) of the Elektro-L family is postponed, as reported by RIA Novosti.
Electro-L devices are the basis of the Russian geostationary hydrometeorological space system. They provide solutions to various problems in the field of remote sensing. This, in particular, is weather forecasting on a global scale, monitoring climate and its global changes, analyzing spatiotemporal changes in the state of snow cover, moisture reserves, etc.
The Elektro-L satellite No. 1 was launched into geostationary orbit back in 2011. The launch of the second device took place in December 2015, the third at the end of last year.
It was assumed that the constellation would be replenished with the Elektro-L satellite No. 4 in 2021. However, it is now reported that its launch into orbit has been delayed by at least a year, until 2022.
What exactly is causing such a significant delay is not specified. But it is known that the launch will be carried out from the Baikonur Cosmodrome using a Proton-M launch vehicle with a DM-03 upper stage.
In the future, it is also planned to launch the fifth Elektro-L satellite into orbit. This will probably happen no earlier than 2023.
Source: 3dnews.ru