Launches / Soyuz 2.1b
Soyuz 2.1b, flown by Russian Space Forces
This was Russian Space Forces' 5th launch of 2024, and its 144th in all.
Counting every operator, it was the 234th orbital launch attempt anywhere in 2024, and the fourth from 43/4 (43R).
Note: Payload identity uncertain. Multiple other military payloads that are not identified may be on board. Lotos-S1 spacecraft is a part of the Liana constellation, designed for orbital electronic intelligence.
Soyuz-2 is the 21st-century version of the Russian Soyuz rocket. In its basic form, it is a three-stage carrier rocket for placing payloads into low Earth orbit. The 2.1b version adds an upgraded engine (RD-0124) with improved performance to the second stage.
Russian Space Forces
The Russian Space Forces are a branch of the Russian Aerospace Forces, that provides aerospace warning, air sovereignty, and protection for Russia. Having been reestablished following August 1, 2015 merger between the Russian Air Force and the Russian Aerospace Defence Forces after a 2011 dissolving of the branch. The Russian Space Forces were originally formed on August 10, 1992 and the creation of the Russian Armed Forces.
157 launches so far, 149 of them successful. The last 69 in a row went to plan.
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