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Elektro–L No. 3 satellite delivered to Baikonur

On November 25, 2019, an Antonov An-124-100 cargo aircraft delivered the Elektro-L No. 3 spacecraft designed by NPO Lavochkin (part of Roscosmos).

During the launch preparations the satellite went through several final tests: complex tests of the assembled spacecraft, the thermal vacuum chamber, electric and technological vibration tests, anechoic chamber tests to check the radioelectronic means electromagnetic compatibility.

Moreover, the heliogeophysical instrument complex was installed; a number of mechanical checks were conducted, such as solar battery and antennas test extension, tech clearance checks between the spacecraft and nosecone fairing, center of mass control, mechanical loads effect and propulsion unit leak tightness checks.

At the cosmodrome, the Elektro–L No. 3 spacecraft will undergo prelaunch preparations: electrical checks, fueling, mating to the booster and the carrier rocket.

The spacecraft will be injected into orbit using a Proton-M carrier rocket (manufactured by Khrunichev Center) and DM booster (manufactured by RSC Energia). The launch is scheduled for the end of December 2019. The satellite will be located at 165.8 deg. east longitude at the geostationary orbit.

Elektro–L satellites design and manufacturing are conducted in accordance with Russia’s Federal Space Program. The spacecraft are a part of Elektro geostationary meteorological space system and are meant to provide the Federal Service for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of Russia, as well as other agencies with on-line hydrometeorological information.

The first hydrometeorological spacecraft Elektro–L No. 1 was injected into geostationary orbit in 2011. The second spacecraft equipped with a modernized hydrometeorological scanner was launched in December 2015, now the Elektro–L No. 2 satellite is functioning at 76 deg. east longitude.