Russia's 2nd Arktika-M satellite to be launched from Baikonur on Dec 16

TOMSK. Dec 5 (Interfax) - The Roscosmos state corporation has informed the Tomsk regional authorities about the launch of a Soyuz-2-1b launch vehicle carrying the second Arktika-M satellite from Baikonur Cosmodrome on December 16, the Tomsk regional department for protecting the population and territory said in a statement on its website.

"The launch of the Soyuz-2-1b launch vehicle carrying the second Arktika-M satellite from the Baikonur Cosmodrome is planned. The launch is scheduled for 12:17 p.m. on December 16," the statement said.

The reserve launch dates are at 12:12 p.m. on December 17, 12:08 p.m. on December 18, and 12:04 p.m. on December 19.

The separating parts of the launch vehicle, the second stage and payload fairing flaps, may fall in the Bakchar district of the Tomsk region, it said.

The first Arktika-M satellite was launched from Baikonur Cosmodrome on February 28, 2021.

On December 16, 2022, Roscosmos said it would expand the Arktika-M satellite constellation from the planned two satellites to four.

It was also reported that the development of the Arktika-MP weather satellite would begin in 2026.

The Arktika space system for hydrometeorological and climate monitoring is designed to monitor the climate and environment in the Arctic region. The minimum required composition of the system is two satellites.