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WG3K > ANS 10.03.24 18:05l 54 Lines 4284 Bytes #999 (0) @ AMSAT
BID : $ANS070.2
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Subj: Vostochny Spaceport Sends Meteor-M2-4 Weather Satellite Int
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On February 29, 2024, the Vostochny spaceport witnessed the successful launch of a Soyuz-2-1b rocket, inaugurating the first mi
ssion of the year from this spaceport. On board was the Meteor-M2-4 weather spacecraft, a notable addition to the Meteor-M seri
es, 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. Recog
nized for its military applications by the Russian space agency, Roscosmos, this mission marked a significant stride in space e
xploration.
Meteor-M2-4 encountered delays in its journey, originally slated for a December 26, 2023 launch. However, due to multiple resch
eduling, 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 suc
cessful liftoff.
[https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/SZ2.1b-MeteorM2-4...]https://www.amsat.org/wordpress/wp-content/upl
oads/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, reachi
ng a near-polar orbit with an inclination of approximately 98.57 degrees. The fairing protecting the payload separated during t
he 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/upl
oads/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 accessib
ility to amateur users, Meteor M satellites operate around 137 MHz, making them receivable with a RTL-SDR dongle and suitable s
atellite antennas. The satellite also transmits in the L-band, enabling reception with a 60cm or larger dish and motorized or h
and tracking. Unlike previous satellites in the series, M2-4 experienced a smooth launch and deployment, with reports indicatin
g excellent signal strength and clear image reception in both VHF and L-band frequencies. Two-Line Elements (TLE's) and the Sat
Dump decoding software (https://github.com/SatDump/SatDump) have been updated to support Meteor M2-4, simplifying access for en
thusiasts through Github updates.
Space historian Jonathan McDowell shared valuable insights into the flight, detailing each Fregat maneuver and its impact on th
e satellite cluster. While the majority of the secondary payloads adhered to the expected orbits, anomalies in the deployment o
f some SITRO satellites prompted further investigation. The launch of Meteor-M2-4 and its accompanying payloads stands as a not
eworthy 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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